The Illinois State Rifle Association www.isra.org has issued a warning to its members of a disturbing trend that is a direct threat to gun ownership. A new law (PA 95-0564) that requires health care providers to report patients to the state police is playing havoc with Illinois gun owners. The Law was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in a knee jerk response to the Virginia Tech shooting. The law requires mental health care providers to report patients that are deemed a threat to themselves or society to the Illinois State Police (ISP) but the new law has taken an unexpected twist.

Passengers could take guns aboard where checked baggage service is available. That's about 30 percent of Amtrak 520 stations, including Kansas City's Union Station. The proposal would cover Amtrak's Southwest Chief, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles through Kansas City. Consequently, you could transport a gun if you board the Southwest Chief in Kansas City, but not in Lawrence, Topeka or La Plata, Mo., where baggage isn't checked. It wouldn't affect Amtrak service between Kansas City and St. Louis because checked baggage service isn't available on that route, nor can bags be checked in Kansas.

Law Unconstitutional Due To Vagueness, Says Nashville Judge. Tennessee's new law allowing people with handgun permits to be armed in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol is unconstitutionally vague, a judge ruled on Friday.

Please Contact Your Council Members! The Brookville Town Council recently passed an ordinance banning firearms on all property owned or leased by the town. Your NRA contacted the town council and was referred instead to the town attorney, Michael Wilhelm. Mr. Wilhelm informed NRA that the ordinance can be repealed or revoked if town residents contact the Council and request a meeting to discuss the issue. Please contact your town council members at (765) 647-3322 and let them know you want a town meeting to revisit and repeal this ordinance!

Please Continue Contacting the Members of the House Judiciary Committee Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee took testimony on House Bill 40. No action was taken on the bill. HB40, sponsored by State Representative Scott Perry (R-92), would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. It is clearly stated that there would be no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family. HB40 would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.

Pennsylvania - 11/14/09] (From the NRA) “Castle Doctrine” Self-Defense Bill to be Considered in Pennsylvania Next Week!

Monday, November 09, 2009 Please Contact the Members of the House Judiciary Committee Today! On Thursday, November 19, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee will consider House Bill 40. HB40, sponsored by State Representative Scott Perry (R-92), would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. It is clearly stated that there would be no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family. HB40 would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used. If you would like to testify, please contact the House Judiciary Committee at (717) 787-3525.

USA - [11/14/09] National Park Service to Educate Public on Gun Rights.

Americans will be able to carry loaded guns in National Parks starting on February 22, 2010 thanks to the Coburn Amendment attached to a credit card reform bill signed by President Obama earlier this year. That Congressional mandate immunizes Americans from the National Park Service's gun carry ban provided that the gun carry does not violate any other state or federal law.

Alaska resident Dave Ross' flight into Pittsburgh Airport for a short visit to the Keystone State last July was uneventful - until, that is, he was arrested for retrieving his sidearm from checked baggage and holstering up on the way out of the airport. Mr. Ross told the Examiner.com that he tried to explain to Magistrate Judge Anthony Saveikis that Allegheny County's ordinance banning gun carry at the airport was "preempted by Section 6120 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act," but Saveikis found him guilty anyway. Ross then hired Pennsylvania attorney J. Michael McCormick to appeal his conviction to the court of common pleas. After Mr. McCormick filed this briefing with the court, the District Attorney's office for Allegheny County conceded that the County's ordinance was not legally enforceable. As a result, Judge Robert C. Gallo entered a judgment of "not guilty" in the case according to court records…

Republican Bill Brady says letting Illinois residents carry concealed weapons could protect them from the kind of violence that struck Fort Hood on Thursday. Brady's comment came at a debate among the seven GOP candidates for governor. Each candidate was asked why he was qualified to oversee the Illinois National Guard and public safety. Most promise to modernize the Guard and hire professionals with experience in military and security work. Brady says another way to improve safety is to let people carry concealed guns. He says that would help in the case of a shooting like the one last year at Northern Illinois University or Thursday in Texas… (Illinois is the other state with no statutory provision for lawful CCW by private citizens.)

I’m making a bold prediction: this year, the bill will pass to allow state-permitted individuals to carry on Virginia’s public campuses; next week, we will be making the case for it. November 9 – 14 is Defense Education Week, hosted by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus at colleges across the country, where the issue will be brought forward as we advocate for self-defense rights on campus. The argument is simple: there are no grounds to deny the right to carry on campus lawfully and responsibly for the purpose of self-defense… This is the time to engage if you support the cause, are unsure, or disagree with the arguments. We welcome dissenters just as much as supporters, as we believe our case is strong and well researched. For some this may be a sensitive, personal, and emotional issue, but we hope to have some civil dialogue to address concerned individuals. As well, gun owners and gun-rights advocates who are unsure about their position with concealed carry on campus are encouraged to attend…

DPS is reporting a total of 143,301 outstanding permits, with 983 revocations (0.7%). Revocations remain higher for training organizations (2%) and instructors (0.19%), most likely for certifying training not provided or not provided in its entirety. Suspensions generally reflect arrests for charges that would result in revocation if there were a conviction or guilty plea. Women currently hold 21.2% of the valid permits in Arizona. Of Arizona’s 15 counties, Maricopa, home to Phoenix, leads with 75,511 and sparsely inhabited Greenlee, on the eastern border of the state, trails with 200. No permit is required for open carry in Arizona but poorly worded appellate decisions have made unlicensed carry in a “means of transportation” a tricky issue. Arizona’s 2008 population was estimated at 6,500,180, which would place CWP’s at 2% of the population, fairly typical for a shall-issue state.

On Tuesday, October 27 the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee approved House Bill 5302 and House Bill 5303 by a 9 to 1 vote. HB5302, introduced by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB5303, introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles while at work. The bill now moves to the full Michigan House of Representatives where a vote may be taken any day. Please contact your Representative TODAY and respectfully ask them to support this important Second Amendment legislation.

The number of concealed weapons permits issued in South Carolina has risen sharply this year, state records show, as people worry about crime and their right to bear firearms. The State newspaper of Columbia reported Sunday that concealed weapons permits issued by the State Law Enforcement Division stood at 28,197 as of mid-October. That's up from 14,630 permits issued in all of 2008 and far outstrips the number of permits issued in previous years. The newspaper, which researched concealed weapons permits, hunting licenses and FBI background checks done for firearms sales, also reported that the number of concealed weapon permits rose nearly equally among men and women between 2005 and 2008… SLED spokesman Paul Flondarina says South Carolina is following a national trend with more concealed weapons permits. He says nearly 100,000 people in South Carolina now hold concealed weapons permits. If they all lived in one place, the people who can legally carry a concealed weapon in South Carolina would comprise the state's third-largest city, behind Charleston and Columbia… (And that would likely be one safe city.)

A landlord can legally prohibit tenants who hold handgun carry permits from bringing their weapons into a rented apartment, according to an opinion from Attorney General Bob Cooper that was released today. The opinion came in response to a request from state Rep. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport, who said he had thought the answer would have been to the contrary. Shipley said the question was raised by an adult University of Tennessee student who had been prohibited from having a firearm in his rented Knoxville apartment… Shipley said the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would apply to someone living in an apartment to prevent law enforcement officers from entering without a search warrant. "If the Fourth Amendment applies, why doesn't the Second Amendment apply?" he said. "Can a landlord say you give up free speech, under the First Amendment, in the apartment? I think not." …

"The NRA and its supporters are promising to fight Assemblyman Kevin DeLeon’s (D-L.A.) AB 962, the bill recently signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger that requires stricter control over the purchase of handgun ammunition and bans all internet ammunition sales. Because Schwarzenegger vetoed the same bill one year ago, gun groups were surprised by the action." "'We think it was a devastating mistake,' Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, told the Los Angeles Times. The group represents roughly 30,000 gun owners throughout the state. 'Ammunition buyers are going to be treated like registered sex offenders now.'"

If it becomes legal to bring a handgun into a college classroom, Holly Self of Monroe could be packing heat in her backpack. The 26 year old said she supports a bill being debated in the state Legislature that would allow college students 21 and older to carry loaded handguns into classrooms.

"California's restrictive new ammunition sales law, AB 962, is bad enough in its own right. Peaceable, responsible gun owners will now face additional difficulites in procuring ammunition, ammunition vendors will take on considerable additional costs, difficulties, and risks of legal culpability, and California's vast, authoritarian, nanny-state bureaucracy will grow still larger." "But all that has been discussed elsewhere already. My new concern is that this law will come to be seen as 'a good first step'--and remember, to the forcible citizen disarmament lobby, every new restriction is 'a good first step.'"

"Amtrak is raising serious objections to a proposal that would allow passengers to stow unloaded guns in their checked baggage, saying the train operator cannot screen passengers' bags the same way airlines do." "The Senate passed a measure last month that would allow passengers to declare and check a weapon on the trains, something airline passengers can do now, provided the weapon is unloaded and in a hard and locked case." ... "'That could jeopardize the operations of Amtrak because ... we don't have the monies to invest in the protocol necessary to guarantee that these weapons won't be used against the traveling public,' said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss."

I post these two storys for two reasons. First they are good reads for anyone who carries a firearm and second both give Handgunlaw.us a nice plug. It shows we are getting noticed and that we have a reputation for supplying up to date infromation on Carry laws. Gary Slider

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

Get The License! You’ll hear some absolutists say, “No government has the right to permit me to carry a gun! I don’t need no stinking permit! The Second Amendment is my license to carry!” That is the sound of someone asking to go to jail. Like it or not, the laws of the land require, in 46 of the 50 states, a license to carry. In two states, there is no legal provision for the ordinary citizen to carry at all. Realize that things are not as we wish they were; things are as they are. If things were as we wish they would be, we wouldn’t need to carry guns at all.

How many gun laws have you broken today? The vast number of arcane gun laws inevitably makes you a law-breaker. Are you safe from prosecution? Watch for upcoming segments in the multi-part series, ‘Guns and the law,’ addressing state and federal laws on guns, self-defense and the use of deadly force.

In the second major front in the war over gun rights that has developed in just days, a lawsuit has been filed against U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder seeking a court order that the federal government stay out of the way of Montana's management of its own firearms. The action was filed by the Second Amendment Foundation and the Montana Shooting Sports Association in U.S. District Court in Missoula, Mont., to validate the principles and terms of the Montana Firearms Freedom Act, which took effect today [actually, October 1]… The law provides guns and ammo made, sold and used in Montana would not require any federal forms; silencers made and sold in Montana would be fully legal and not registered; and there would be no firearm registration, serial numbers, criminal records check, waiting periods or paperwork required. The idea is spreading quickly. Tennessee already has a similar law, and similar plans have been introduced in many other states. An organization called the Firearms Freedom Act has created a map of such activity nationwide… (This link is worth clicking if only to see the map.)

Oregon - [10/5/09] Senate to Examine Campus Carry: After two recent lawsuits raised questions about the legality of state universities’ bans on concealed handguns, the state Senate decided Wednesday to weigh in on the subject. t an informal hearing before the Senate’s Judiciary Committee Wednesday morning, Bend lawyer and former Sen. Neil Bryant, who served on the committee for eight years, requested the legislature form a working group to attempt to resolve the legal issues surrounding the bans. The main case in question was filed by the Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation and petitions the court to determine the validity of the Oregon University System’s handgun ban, which affects those licensed to carry concealed handguns. “It’s a basic question of whether or not educational institutions have the authority to regulate weapons on their campus,” Bryant said. However, Bryant said oral arguments in the case will to be heard until early spring of 2010. In the meantime, he urged the Senate to “be proactive.” …

Naples Mayor Bill Barnett expected a hard recoil when he joined Mayors Against Illegal Guns, but the fusillade of angry mail and phone calls startled him. We’ve been absolutely bombed with protest,” he said. “I’m not a radical and I don’t get involved in a lot of causes, but I joined this group because it seems like a reasonable organization.” The National Rifle Association has taken aim at the coalition of some 450 mayors - 45 of them in Florida - alerting gun owners that the group will lobby Congress to end “reciprocity” among states that issue concealed-weapons permits, tighten restrictions on sales at weekend gun shows and weaken privacy protections for gun owners. Former NRA President Marion Hammer, one of the most influential lobbyists in Tallahassee, said the mayor’s group really wants to spread New York-style gun control far and wide. In addition to Barnett, mayors in Miami, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tampa and Palm Shores are among the geographically disparate and population-ranging city leaders to sign on to the group…

Tennessee - [9/24/09] Gun Debate Shifts Aim to Guns in Cars at Work Site

Lawmakers heard testimony on a bill to allow people with handgun carry permits to keep their guns in their locked vehicles on their workplace's parking lots regardless of their employer's policy on the issue. Current law allows employers to ban weapons from all their property, including parking lots. Read About It:

Virginia Railway Express riders will be able to carry firearms aboard trains operating in Virginia because of a policy adopted by the commuter rail service's operations board. During a meeting Friday, board members changed the transit agency's policy to match Virginia code, which allows people without a criminal record to carry weapons in plain view and those with a permit to carry concealed weapons. Read About It:

Missouri - [9/23/09] Missouri Castle Doctrine Clarified The Castle Doctrine has been on the books in Missouri for a couple years but one lawmaker says it is still often misunderstood. That’s why Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, is trying to clear up any confusion about a person's right to act in self-defense. With the recent case of a man from Springfield who shot at a purse thief, many viewers asked about the rights of people with conceal-and-carry weapon (CCW) permits, along with the Castle Doctrine. Goodman authored the law. He says the most recent version of the Castle Doctrine states a law-abiding homeowner can assume that someone who breaks into his home is there to do him bodily harm and can fully defend himself against that intruder… This differs from the CCW law in the sense that, under that law, you can’t defend yourself with a gun against someone trying to steal property when you’re outside your home. The Castle Doctrine allows lethal force if someone is breaking in; CCW law says, when someone is causing an imminent threat to you or another person, you can shoot at him but not if he is only threatening property.

USA - [9/23/09] - Amtrak “Carry” Not a Done Deal The US Senate has voted 68-30 in favor of a measure which would deny $1.6 Billion taxpayer dollars for the beleaguered Amtrak passenger train system unless they change their "No Guns" policy… Even though the amendment passed easily - with a few surprising (and suspicious) votes in favor - this is not a done deal. Since the Senate version of the underlying appropriations bill is now different from the version passed in the House, there must be a Reconciliation Conference to bring the two versions into line. For a conference, both houses select a number of representatives who are supposed to go sit down together and hash out their differences, settling on a final bill they believe will be acceptable in both houses. That version of the bill is then sent to the floors of the House and the Senate where it receives an up or down vote. No amendments are accepted for a reconciled bill. While this amendment passed by a vote of 68 to 30, the prospects of it surviving the reconciliation process seem pretty slim. Even though the conference committee is weighted with 13 members who voted for the amendment and 8 who voted against it, + 1, Byrd of WV, who did not vote, those numbers can be deceptive… (Note that even if the amendment survives the reconciliation conference, all it does is allow firearms to be checked in luggage, as in air travel; it does not allow open or concealed carry by the traveler.)

I am off for a weeks vacation in Florida. (9/16 - 9/23) News Items will not be posted during this time period.

Gun Rights Policy Conference St. Louis MO - [9/15/09] GRPC Reminder

The 24th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference attracts leaders from across the country, including Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms; Joseph Tartaro, president of the Second Amendment Foundation; Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association and many others. Also scheduled: Attorney Alan Gura, winner of the landmark Second Amendment Heller case; Charles Cunningham, director of federal affairs, NRA Institute for Legislative Action; Tim Oliver, vice president, Missouri Concealed Carry; Kansas State Sen. Phillip Journey, and former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr, 2008 Libertarian presidential candidate. The Gun Rights Policy Conference offers an opportunity for grassroots gun rights activists from across the country to gather under one roof for the opportunity to network, exchange strategies and hear from national gun rights leaders on major issues relating to firearms litigation and politics… (There is no registration fee for the conference and attendees receive a complete reference library.)

In the first half of this year, the Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau at the Texas Department of Public Safety handled an average of 12,700 applications a month compared with 8,700 during the same period in 2008, a 46 percent increase. Read About It: The Amarillo Globe-News

The Legislature passed several pieces of legislation Thursday, including restrictions on the sale of ammunition, as it moves into its last day before the deadline to send bills to the governor's desk. The ammunition measure, AB962, requires that vendors make ammunition accessible to customers only with the assistance of an employee, such as behind the counter or locked in a cabinet. It also requires that vendors collect personal information of people buying ammunition and keep a log of the sales. Read About It: The San Francisco Chronicle

We have gotten some positive feedback on our bill from both the NRA and VCDL. Some of the changes suggested by them have been incorporated into the bill, making it at even stronger piece of legislation. We also met with Rep. Baudler last week, in an attempt to merge our bill with his. Right now, it does not appear that will be happening. His bill, in its current form, does not do enough to protect your rights. Unless that happens, we will not be joining forces with him this year. Here are the primary differences between Baudler’s bill and ours. This is a bit lengthy, but it’s important for everyone to know exactly what we are fighting for.

The Senate also passed Assembly Bill 962 yesterday by a 21-18 vote. AB962 will now return to the Assembly for concurrence. As we reported earlier this week, AB962 was amended by the Senate in an effort to make the bill easier to pass. It remains, however, a serious threat to our rights. The Senate removed a requirement that ammunition retailers be licensed to sell ammunition. In addition, the bill would no longer prohibit the private transfer of more than 50 rounds of ammunition during a 30 day period. Despite these changes to the bill, AB962 is still unacceptable and represents a dire threat to our ability to exercise our Second Amendment rights. Ammunition retailers would still have to store ammunition in such a manner that it would be inaccessible to purchasers. The bill still requires that individuals purchasing ammunition be fingerprinted at the time of sale, mandates that dealers keep these records and make them available for inspection by the Department of Justice. Finally, mail order ammunition sales are still prohibited under AB962…

The following is based on a mailing from Gun Owners of Nevada - The Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association will hold its annual CCW forum Tuesday, September 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The actual meeting will take place in Carson City, Legislative Building, Room 1214. It will be teleconferenced in Las Vegas at the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Avenue, Room 4401. This is the group that determines how Nevada’s CCW law and many related firearm laws, including recognition of out-of-state permits, are interpreted. If you are unable to attend, you may e-mail questions and comments to unable to Frank at fadams@nvsca.com

Tennessee - [9/12/09] County Commissioner Seeks Park-Carry Ban

Knox County Commissioner Amy Broyles says children will be safer if people with gun carry permits are blocked from bringing their weapons to county parks. She plans to add an item to the commission's agenda Sept. 28 to ban handguns in all county parks… Last month, the Knox County Parks Advisory Board voted to "opt out" of a new state law allowing people with carry permits to go armed in parks. County Commission has taken no action. In a letter written Aug. 21 and obtained by the News Sentinel this week, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale urged Commission Chairman Thomas "Tank" Strickland and the commission to give "full consideration" to the advisory board's position. The law, which took effect Sept. 1, was approved by the state Legislature during the last session. As written, the law allows carry permit holders to go into city and county parks unless local governments chose to opt out.

An appeals court in Washington, D.C. has upheld the city's extremely restrictive law requiring residents to obtain licenses to carry handguns outside of their homes. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last year in the high-profile D.C. v. Heller Second Amendment case did not invalidate the District of Columbia's licensing requirements, and even appears to have endorsed them, the appeals court ruled… Now, bad facts tend to make bad law, and Brown - who had been convicted of murder by this point - was hardly a sympathetic defendant. Different facts and a different litigant may have yielded a different result, and Brown would probably not have been able to obtain a concealed weapon license anyway. Still, it's worth noting that the Second Amendment Foundation filed a federal lawsuit against the District a few weeks earlier on a very similar question: the constitutionality, post-Heller, of the city's licensing scheme. Alan Gura, the Alexandria, Va. attorney who filed the civil suit, told me on Wednesday evening that he doesn't think the recent appeals court decision will make much of a difference. "We're not challenging the requirement for a license," Gura said. But, he added, "there has to be the ability for people to quality for a license." … (In point of fact, the pending lawsuit argues that once people have met DC’s post-Heller licensing standards, they should be able to carry their registered handguns outside the home.)

"GCO has filed a motion in its federal lawsuit against MARTA, seeking, among other things, an injunction against MARTA’s policy of detaining everyone seen carrying a firearm. In its motion, GCO quotes MARTA officials who testified that MARTA has a 'procedure' to detain anyone seen carrying a firearm to check for ID and GFL. ... Comparing the facts of this case to a United States Supreme Court opinion that it is unconstitutional to stop a motorist just to see if he has a driver’s license, GCO argues that stopping someone just to see if he has a GFL violates the Fourth Amendment." ...

"On September 8, 2009, United States District Judge Bruce D. Black of the United States District Court for New Mexico entered summary judgment in a civil case for damages against Alamogordo, NM police officers. The Judge's straight shootin' message to police: Leave open carriers alone unless you have 'reason to believe that a crime [is] afoot.'" "The facts of the case are pretty simple. Matthew St. John entered an Alamogordo movie theater as a paying customer and sat down to enjoy the movie. He was openly carrying a holstered handgun ..." "In response to a call from theater manager Robert Zigmond, the police entered the movie theater, physically seized Mr. St. John from his seat, took him outside, disarmed him, searched him...."

A small change in concealed handgun laws has created safety concerns among Houston police officers who work the streets. The new law removes the penalty for failing to show a police officer a concealed handgun license (CHL) when stopped by an officer who asks for identification. The law went into effect Sept. 1. Previously, if a person was carrying a hidden weapon and failed to present the CHL, they could lose the license for one year. Houston police officers suggested that licensed handgun holders continue to show their credentials, even if not required to by the law. It will defuse any potential problems or miscommunications, they said. “When an officer is not aware of a weapon and he spots one, he's going to take steps quickly to secure the situation,” said Gary Blankinship, president of the Houston Police Officers' Union. “They're going to pull their weapon until they get that weapon under control.” … (Neither Arizona nor Montana has required permit-holders to volunteer that they are carrying. At least in Arizona, the courtesy of volunteering that information during a traffic stop often results in a warning instead of a ticket.)

It is legal, as it stands under state law, for someone to carry a holstered, loaded handgun into a city park. But carry a pocket knife into the same park, and you stand the chance of having it confiscated under a city ordinance. You would be ordered to leave the park and possibly fined. “There is a different law out there that trumps our local ordinance,” Police Chief Mark Brownfield said. “That law is very specific. It deals with the open carry of a firearm. It doesn’t say the open carry of a pocket knife or a slingshot.” Englewood hasn’t used its ordinance to prosecute anyone for pocket knives or slingshots, but the example shows how state and local laws can sometimes work in opposition. Two years after the state amended its concealed-carry law, there is confusion in some cities about just how it should be enforced… (Arizona and Florida are two states that mean it when the license citizens to carry concealed weapons. In most states, however, permits or licenses apply only to handguns and it looks as though this may sometimes overlap into open carry.)

One Metro Council member said the ordinance banning guns in Nashville's parks needs to be re-examined. Sam Coleman wants carry permit holders to be allowed to bring a gun in a park. State lawmakers started the debate when passing the law letting carry permit holders bring a gun into a park. Local governments were given the option to opt out of that law which is what Metro Council members did. Sam Coleman hoped to amend that law… Coleman supported the ban on guns in parks, but he plans on filing an amendment which would allow carry permit holders to carry a gun in certain parks. Coleman is asking park officials to identify secluded areas not frequently patrolled by police. Once a list is completed, Coleman will ask the Metro Council to once again look at the issue…

Colorado - [8/31/09] Colorado Governor Proposes Gun Tax As can only be expected from our current governor, more fees are being proposed to help bridge the gap between Colorado’s revenue and spending. Governor Ritter has announced his plan to impose a “fee” on all firearm purchases. Apparently charging people to exercise their right is appropriate in the eyes of those hostile to the rules and regulations of TABOR. Fees are becoming more and more commonplace in Colorado, due to the fact that unlike taxes they do not require the direct consent of the people. A clear violation of the intent of TABOR, but an action our governor seems content and impatient to implement. Just as importantly is the fact that he has continued his assault on Coloradoan’s right to control the revenue of their state with his anti-gun agenda as a guiding rod…

Bills to help ensure that all Michigan gun owners are guaranteed the right to lawfully store firearms in their locked and privately owned vehicles while in an employer's parking lot were introduced Thursday in the Michigan Legislature, said sponsors Sen. Roger Kahn and Rep. Paul Opsommer.

City's plan to ban guns has NRA up in arms A weapons plank in a raft of G-20 Summit legislation moving through Pittsburgh City Council drew fire from gun rights advocates. The proposed ordinance would allow police to cite people for carrying a variety of items, from rotten eggs to 37 types of guns, if police perceive an intent to defy their orders.

USA/Maryland - [8/31/09] Should Hikers Be Armed? Almost a year after a horrible beheading, Virginia Tech is again visited by tragedy. This time two students are shot and killed in the parking lot of a trail-head near Blacksburg Virginia. This incident will no doubt revive the debate on whether backpackers should arm themselves when traveling in remote areas. This is not the first time that an event like this has occurred in a remote area and unfortunately it probably will not be the last. The choice of whether to carry a firearm for self defense is a personal decision that can only be made by the individual. Whether it is protection from two or four legged animals, the debate on whether it is better to be armed or unarmed will continue…

We have already "encouraged, trained, and equipped" people to deal with outbreaks of violence, Larry. Those people are police. And I agree that there should be someone with a gun between a woman and her attacker, but I believe that person should be an officer of the law who is trained to use that weapon and who will not put others - including whatever children are living in the household - at further risk. Having an officer enforce the law also prevents an abused women from having to defend herself for the next 20 years in court (and at taxpayers' expense). She'll be able to move on with her life. What you're encouraging, Larry, is a siege mentality: suggesting, in effect, that anyone who might be perceived as physically defenseless live in a state of perpetual trepidation, saddled and ridden by fear, and burdened with the added responsibility of keeping the enemy at bay through the exercise of deadly violence. The very definition of a civilized society is that no member should be forced to live that way…

Sacramento County may be about to experience an increase in the number of gun owners with permits to carry concealed weapons. Sheriff John McGinness called it a necessary move, given his department's lack of resources to properly protect the public. "I think in the interest of doing right by the public and the constituency, we had to make some acknowledgement of the fact that it's a different environment out there," McGinness said. "As things have changed, our ability to respond effectively and ensure their safety has been compromised. Therefore, I think it's only appropriate that we look at these applications with a different thought process in mind." Gun owner George Perry agreed that McGinness is doing the right thing. "There is just too much crime out there for a person to be able to call for police when they need them cause there's just too few officers," Perry said. But gun control advocates feel differently. They said the decrease in support staff at the sheriff's department is not a good enough reason to allow more people to carry concealed weapons. "By weakening the standards for carrying concealed weapons, it's not a way to deal with the budget cuts to public safety," said Rebecca Gonzales, who defends the gun control measure known as Brady's Law…

"The Supreme Court will consider two new cases on the scope of individuals’ Second Amendment right to have guns at its first Conference for the new Term, on Sept. 29 ... Both petitions challenge a Seventh Circuit Court ruling that the Amendment does not restrict gun control laws adopted by state, county or city government, but applies only to federal laws. The cases are National Rifle Association v. Chicago (08-1497) and McDonald v. Chicago (08-1521)." "The so-called 'incorporation' issue is the most significant sequel issue raised in the wake of the Court's 2008 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, recognizing for the first time a personal right to have a gun for self-defense, at least in one's home."

Recently, the sheriffs of Sacramento and Yolo Counties were sued in Federal court. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of Pink Pistols advocate Deanna Sykes and others, alleges that the current policy violates the US Constitution in a number of ways, and should be declared unlawful. For example, two people working in Sacramento might be unequally treated, based on arbitrary reasons, even if they have the same backgrounds and qualifications. One person, living in Folsom, cannot ever obtain a concealed weapon permit for personal protection, but his neighbor living a short distance away in El Dorado Hills can have one for the asking, as the El Dorado County Sheriff is not so restrictive. However, if the El Dorado Hills resident moves to Folsom, Sheriff McGinness will immediately revoke his permit. Plaintiffs believe their case is so clear, based on recent cases from the Ninth Circuit and the US Supreme Court, they have asked for a Summary Judgment ruling. A hearing on that request will be held September 24, with a decision due a few months after. Additionally, the law itself may change. Pending legislation, AB 357, will require issuance of permits upon request by qualified, responsible persons.

A Nashville restaurant owner plans to ask today for a quick decision in his lawsuit challenging the new state law that allows guns in restaurants and bars. Randy Rayburn, who owns Sunset Grill, Midtown Cafe and Cabana, and his fellow plaintiffs will file a motion in Davidson County Chancery Court seeking summary judgment in the case, attorney David Randolph Smith said Friday. Smith said the law, which took effect last month, creates unsafe workplaces, violating federal occupational safety and health laws. "We're moving for summary judgment on the idea that state law is pre-empted by OSHA," he said. The plaintiffs also are arguing that the law is unconstitutionally vague, creating confusion for police officers, restaurant owners and gun owners, and that it illegally delegates police powers to restaurant owners, who have to post signs if they want to ban guns on their premises… (As I recall, the OSHA ruse was used by the federal district court that blocked Oklahoma’s parking-lot-storage statute. It was overturned by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the state law.)

Tennessee - [8/22/09] Tennessee County Balks at Park-Carry Ban: People with handgun permits will be allowed to take their weapons into county parks starting Sept. 1 after conflicting legal advice led the Blount County Commission to postpone a decision on opting out of the new law. "That's what the law says," County Mayor Jerry Cunningham said Thursday. The law will allow people with handgun carry permits to take them into public parks, natural areas, historic parks, nature trails, campgrounds, forest greenways, waterways or other similar public lands. While the legislature made such activity legal, local governments can prohibit possession in these areas by "opting out" before the law takes effect Sept. 1… (It’s not clear to me how people in Tennessee will know which cities and counties have “opted out” of park carry. This is precisely the “patchwork” situation that screams for a firm preemption bill.)

The District of Columbia, where government restrictions prompted the landmark Heller decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court found individuals have a right to be armed, still doesn't understand the Second Amendment, according to a new lawsuit. The Second Amendment Foundation told WND its new lawsuit on behalf of three D.C. residents and a man from New Hampshire seeks to compel the city to issue carry permits to law-abiding citizens… "In most major American cities," said Gura, "where the right to bear arms is respected, licensed permit holders have proven themselves safe and effective. Washington, D.C. already requires handgun registrants to complete the background checks and training classes required of carry permit holders throughout the country. It is pointless to deny these individuals the right to bear arms." …The new challenge is that city officials now have simply revoked the authority once held by the police chief to issue licenses to carry handguns to individuals. The case seeks a permanent injunction against a continued ban on carrying handguns by law-abiding citizens for personal protection…

A state lawmaker wants to let Michigan residents who have permits to carry concealed weapons take them on university campuses. Legislation announced Thursday by Republican state Sen. Randy Richardville of Monroe would remove college campuses from the list of places where Michigan law does not allow permit holders to carry guns.

Florida's "stand-your-ground" law allows the use of deadly force for self-protection even if an attacker or intruder is in retreat, an appellate court said Wednesday. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal issued that explanation for last month releasing Jimmy Hair from jail, where he had spent two years awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge. Hair, 28, was charged with fatally shooting Charles Harper, 26. Harper had forced his way into a car in which Hair was a passenger and then tussled with him. The car was parked outside a Tallahassee nightclub where Harper earlier had argued with the driver… A trial judge had refused to grant Hair "stand-your-ground" immunity due to conflicting testimony on whether Harper was being pulled out of the car by a friend when he was shot, but the appellate court said that didn't matter… National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer said Wednesday's ruling tracked the intent of the 2005 law her organization supported. She said just because someone's in retreat doesn't mean that person won't turn around and attack again… (It looks as though the appellate courts of two districts disagree so the matter could end up with the state supreme court.)

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D DC), who sits on the Homeland Security Committee, today called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan to restrict the carrying of weapons openly or concealed in or around the areas where the President of the United States and cabinet officials are appearing. Read About It: U.S. House of Representatives

An appeals court in Chicago has ruled that the federal, state or local government can require all citizens to register their firearms under penalty of law. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals said that, even after the Supreme Court's high-profile gun rights decision last year, the Second Amendment is no obstacle to mandatory gun registration. The case arose out of the Chicago-area town of Cicero's mandatory registration requirement for firearms. A local man named John Justice was raided by the Cicero police on suspicion of violating business ordinances including improper storage of chemicals; the police discovered six unregistered handguns during the raid…

"As the Obama health care program continues to descend from debate to debacle, increasing attention is being given to a handful of activists who have attended protest rallies openly carrying firearms, leaving some television reporters and commentators having to acknowledge there is nothing illegal about it." "When I wrote about MSNBC's Chris Matthews joining in the vitriolic attacks on gun owners here, and about anti-gun bigotry here, it brought the hoplophobes out of the proverbial woodwork. At least a few of these folks were not shy about displaying their prejudices, to the point of race baiting, which – thanks to an incident in Phoenix on Monday – has now left them with feet firmly inserted in mouths."

Tennessee - [8/3/09] (From Stephen Wenger) Tennessee Restaurants Evaluate Gun Bans: Five of 11 Oak Ridge restaurants surveyed this week said they either will prohibit guns in their businesses or are leaning toward doing so under a new state law that went into effect July 14. Conversely, two restaurants said they will allow permit holders to carry weapons. Meanwhile, representatives at four other establishments said they have either not yet made a decision or not announced one. The new Tennessee law allows permit holders to carry weapons into restaurants that serve alcohol as long as the person carrying the gun doesn't drink. Restaurant owners can reportedly "opt out" of the legislation by posting signs announcing a ban on weapons in their establishments. The local restaurants prohibiting guns or intending to prohibit them are Flatwater Grill, Outback Steakhouse and Magnolia Tree Restaurant…

Tennessee - [8/3/09] (From Stephen Wenger) Nashville Weighs Park-Carry Ban: Metro Council members on Thursday peppered two groups of experts with questions about the impact of a proposal to ban guns in city parks, with each side arguing that its stance would make the parks safer. Supporters of the ban said preventing handgun carry permit holders from bringing their guns would protect children and others who simply want to enjoy themselves. Opponents said the ban would leave legal gun owners unprotected, while criminals would continue to bring their weapons… A new state law allows handgun carry permit holders to take their guns into state and local parks, but it also allows city and county governments to opt out. Metro Law Director Sue Cain said last week that Nashville doesn't need to opt out, however, because the new law, while pre-empting many existing local ordinances, provides exceptions for those adopted before 1986…

Tennessee - [8/3/09] (From Stephen Wenger) And in Cookeville…: Last month, the City Council voted to delay their vote on the subject of banning guns in parks until Thursday, August 6 and to hear resident’s views on the matter. Hearing well prepared statements on both sides of the issue, the council has much to consider as it makes its vote Thursday. Since that July meeting, other cities across Tennessee have voted to “opt out” of the TN State Clause allowing guns in parks. Nashville, Murfreesburo, Knoxville and Chattanooga have all passed measures “opting out” of the state legislation allowing guns in parks and in July, Putnam County joined Shelby, Williamson and other counties in voting to “opt out” as a county. As the list of those banning guns in parks gets longer, a Nashville lawyer who has worked more than a decade to allow gun permit holders to bear arms in public parks said he is considering a court challenge. Tennessee Firearms Association director John Harris said the opt-out provision for local governments is “a travesty of justice.” …

USA - [8/2/09] Surviving a Traffic Stop – One Attorney’s Advice: Being pulled over by a police officer can be a stressful experience. Although life is full of such experiences, unlike many other stressful experiences, a traffic stop has the potential to end in a loss of money, liberty or even life. No two traffic stops are entirely identical. Therefore, the advisable course of conduct will vary depending on the situation. However, there are some general rules which can be helpful in many situations. The best piece of advice one can offer is to avoid being pulled over in the first place. A traffic stop offers nothing to be gained. The best case scenario for the driver is to leave as if the stop never occurred losing only some time… (Marc Victor is regarded as one of the top criminal-defense attorneys in Arizona. I think we can presume that a large proportion of his clients may be engaging in otherwise criminal conduct when they are pulled over. Note that he too advises not to try to “schmooze” the officer. Other articles can be located under the Articles tab at the top of the linked page and a must-see video is available at the bottom of his Home page.)

Tennessee: [7/30/09] (From the NRA-ILA) Knoxville City Council postpones vote on guns in parks Knoxville City Council locked and reloaded Tuesday night in the debate on guns in parks, postponing a vote on whether to opt out of the new state law. Council members will now discuss the issue at a workshop on August 20. They plan to vote at their August 25 meeting.

Tennessee -[7/30/09] (From the NRA-ILA) Commissioners wary of gun ban in Bradley parks Some Bradley County commissioners say they cannot support banning handguns in county parks if the carrier has a permit. Commissioners pointed out that people with permits have been trained and gone through background checks. "This would only apply to law abiding citizens," Commissioner Jim Smith said. Read About It:

There are no comments on this story Post Comments | Read Comments "According to the Tennessee Attorney General, a recently passed state law that allows guns in parks does not apply to school sanctioned sporting events." "In a opinion issued last Friday, the state attorney general said there is no state law to prevent school districts 'from using athletic or other recreational facilities in parks where handgun carry permit holders may lawfully possess their firearms.'" "The opinion goes on to say carrying firearms, whether licensed to carry or not, into school sporting events held in public parks violates a previous state law banning the practice." ...

There are no comments on this story Post Comments | Read Comments "As the fight to restore the right to bear arms for self-defense was waged in various states, one of the toughest opponents to attempts to reform the law was the establishment media. With rare exception, newspaper editorial boards repeatedly took the side of legislators and gun ban extremists who prefer to view citizens more as subjects." ... "One of the more common items inserted as a poison pill in many states under pressure from the establishment media was a public records provision. 'We have to make sure,' the editorial boards claimed, 'that the 'right' people are getting licenses.' But in the months and years after concealed carry laws took effect, it quickly became clear the media had far less noble intentions." ...

I apologize for not keeping up with the news. This summer has found me very busy with family and it was hard enough keeping up with the changes in the different states. Again I will try to keep up with the news on Concealed Carry across the country. I ask that you bear with me. Gary Slider

USA - [7/27/09] Defensive Gun Use Every 13 Seconds: Americans use a gun in self defense once every 13 seconds, according to a peer-reviewed study.

* The National Self Defense Survey, as conducted by Florida State University criminologists in 1994, indicates that Americans use guns in self defense 2,500,000 times per year, which is once every 13 seconds.

* In about 30% of the defensive gun uses, the would-be victim believes that the gun “almost certainly” or “probably” saved a life.

* In more than 1/2 of the self defense gun uses, the would-be victim was under attack by 2 or more criminals, making a firearm the only viable means of self defense for most people.

* The overwhelming majority of these defensive gun uses were never reported by the news media.

* Gun ownership protects 65 lives for every 2 lives lost, and the overwhelming majority of of those lives lost are due to criminals who ignore gun bans anyway… http://www.examiner.com/x-18149-SelfDefense-Examiner~y2009m7d26-Americans-use-a-gun-in-self-defense-every-13-seconds

West Virginia - [7/27/09] Meanwhile

Gun rights advocates are turning their attention to the state level after this week's defeat of a bill in the U.S. Senate. The West Virginia Citizens Defense League issued a press release pushing the state Legislature to reform its concealed weapon reciprocity law. The group views the state law as restrictive with unnecessary legal impediments to establishing reciprocity with other states. Reciprocity agreements allow state residents to carry their concealed weapons into other states. West Virginia permits are currently recognized in 23 states, including each of its neighbors except Maryland… The Defense League's release states West Virginia is one of only three states that require other states to have a centralized computer database for the purpose of providing instantaneous license verification to law-enforcement officers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The group said other state reciprocity laws take out-of-state licenses at face value. The Defense League also criticized West Virginia for being one of two states whose reciprocity law requires other states to enter into a formal, written reciprocity agreement as a condition of that state's licenses being recognized, the release states.

Arizona - [6/10/09] (From Stephen Wenger) More on Arizona Restaurant-Carry Bill: The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Monday to let some gun owners bring their weapons into places where alcohol is served after the Arizona Restaurant Association dropped its objection to the proposal… SB 1113 allows someone who has a state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon to bring it into a place that has a liquor license and "offers for sale food for on-site consumption prepared in a kitchen located on the premises." …Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, said he sharpened this year's version to apply only to those individuals who have state-issued licenses to carry concealed weapons. That not only screens out those who haven't been through the training and background checks, but it also ensures no one has a visible gun strapped to a hip. It also preserves language from prior years spelling out that anyone who is armed cannot drink. And it says any restaurant owner who doesn't want patrons carrying guns can keep the weapons out by posting signs to that effect at all entrances…And Gov. Jan Brewer already has said that unlike her predecessor, who vetoed a similar bill in 2005, she's inclined to sign it…

Chicago Illinois - [6/10/09] From SAF: The Second Amendment Foundation today appealed its lawsuit against the City of Chicago’s handgun ban to the United States Supreme Court. The case, which began as McDonald v. City of Chicago and is now consolidated with a similar lawsuit filed by the National Rifle Association, was filed last year within an hour of the Supreme Court’s landmark Second Amendment ruling in District of Columbia v. Dick Anthony Heller. In the Chicago case – which can be followed at www.chicagoguncase.com – SAF is asking the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is incorporated against the states by the Fourteenth Amendment’s Privileges or Immunities or Due Process clauses. Earlier this year, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that the Second Amendment is incorporated as a limit on state and local governments. “We know we are going to win this case,” said SAF founder Alan M. Gottlieb. “States should not be able to take away rights guaranteed by the federal constitution.” …

Illinois - [6/10/09] (From Stephen Wenger) 91st Illinois County Passes RKBA Resolution: It took three votes - including one that went to a chairman's tiebreaker - but a non-binding resolution in support of the Second Amendment won Kane County Board approval Tuesday…For two years, the group Illinois Pro 2A has asked all of the state's 102 counties to pass a resolution affirming support of the Second Amendment. Pro 2A provides a template that offers a strong objection to certain gun control proposals, but Kane's County's modified version was tempered to be more general. Based on the group's data, Kane becomes the 91st county to adopt such a resolution, although it isn't clear what specific language is used in each of those measures…

Pennsylvania - [6/10/09] (From Stephen Wenger) Pennsylvania City Passes Illegal Ordinance: At the June 9, 2009, City Council Meeting, the Council unanimously approved Administration Bill No. 9, “requiring prompt notification to authorities of lost or stolen firearms, and imposing penalties.” The new ordinance would require gun owners to report the loss or theft of any registered firearms within 72 hours of their discovery. One city woman addressed the Council to express her concern about the ordinance, citing that, according to her understanding, the bill would violate a state ban on gun registration, compromise a state-sanctioned right to bear arms, and create legal costs for both taxpayers and gun owners… (The ordinance violates state preemption.)

On Wednesday, June 3, the Tennessee General Assembly voted 69 to 27 to override Governor Bredesen’s (D) veto of House Bill 962. This NRA-supported bill would enable law-abiding right-to-carry permit holders to carry a firearm for self defense in establishments that serve alcohol, provided they don’t consume while carrying.

It is critical that you contact your State Senator immediately and ask them to override the Governor’s veto of HB 962. Remind them that 36 other states, including 7 of Tennessee’s border states, trusts their citizens to carry a firearm for self-defense in restaurants that serve alcohol, and its time that Tennessee do so as well. Time is of the essence, so please contact them today! To identify your Senator and find his or her contact information, please click here.

Louisiana - [6/3/09] (From Stephen Wenger)House Rejects Campus Carry: State Rep. Ernest Wooten's proposed law, which would have allowed those over 21 with permits to carry concealed weapons on Louisiana's college campuses, failed badly last week in a vote of the full House of Representatives. In this state, conservative as it is, the measure drew only 18 votes. The paucity of support may testify to the clout of the police chiefs and top higher education officials who opposed it… The push for campus carry permits grew out of a series of tragedies, including the 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech, where a disturbed young man named Seung-Hui Cho shot 32 people to death and then killed himself. Almost at once, two sets for drums began beating: one for greater restrictions on campus, the other for more guns on campus…

Texas - [6/3/09] (From Stephen Wenger) TX Rejects Campus Carry, Parking-Lot Storage: The Texas State Legislature said “no” to the gun lobby in the session just ended, joining a growing list of states that rejected forcing colleges and universities to allow students to bring loaded, hidden handguns to class and also rejected a second gun lobby priority bill to force businesses to allow employees to have loaded guns in their cars on private property. Texas joins 10 other states that have already rejected guns on campus legislation this year… The guns at work bill, SB 730, would have permitted gun owners to have guns in cars in company parking lots even if the business prohibits it.

Tennessee - [6/1/09] From Stephen Wenger)Restaurant-Carry Bill Vetoed: Gov. Phil Bredesen on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have allowed Tennessee handgun permit holders to take their weapons into establishments that serve alcohol. He made the announcement at a late afternoon news conference where he was joined by police chiefs and district attorneys from around the state. “Tennessee state law has long prohibited the possession of firearms in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol,” Bredesen said. “House Bill 962 would remove this protection in a manner that I, along with many law enforcement officers, believe to be reckless and lacking basic safeguards to ensure public safety. I respectfully ask the Legislature to rethink this issue.” The measure passed the state House 66-23 and Senate 24-7 earlier this month. A simple majority is required in each chamber to override a veto… House sponsor Curry Todd said he will attempt to override the veto…

Handgunlaw.us - [5/28/09] I apologize for not posting news. It has been a very busy spring for me and it was hard enough keeping up with the updates. I will try to keep you better informed but do realize that family comes first.

Page Updates At Handgunlaw.us - [ 5/28/09] If you wish to know what has been updated at Handgunlaw.us since your last visit click on "Site/Data Updates" in the left column on the main page. We list all the updates to the site there. It will show the updates for a minimum of the last 60 days.

National Park/National Wildlife Refuge Carry - [5/28/09] Govt: Guns barred from national parks until Feb."Not so fast, gun owners. A new law allowing loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges will not take effect until next year, the Obama administration said Friday." "President Barack Obama signed the gun law without comment Friday as part of a measure creating new rules for the credit card industry." "A spokeswoman for the Interior Department said that because the credit card law won't take effect until nine months after it is signed, the gun measure also will be delayed." ... "Until then, rules adopted under the Reagan administration will remain in place. The rules severely restrict guns in the national parks, generally requiring that guns be locked or stored in a glove compartment or trunk."

The Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray (D) has released the concealed handgun license (CHL) statistics for the first quarter of 2009. The demand for concealed carry licenses has been torrid. It appears that a lot of new gun owners are not content to leave their weapon locked up at home; they want to carry it for self defense. The first quarter in 2009 continued the trend of increasing demand at an increasing rate. The 16,323 regular licenses issues was a whopping 139% increase over the same period a year earlier and was the second quarter in a row that demand more than doubled compared with the prior year. There were an additional 4,906 licenses renewed during the quarter, which is approximately 75% of the licenses expiring during the period. Add in another 41 Temporary Emergency Licenses (TELs), and Ohio Sheriffs issued a whopping 21,248 licenses in the first three months of 2009. That is more licenses than were issued for the entire year in 2006

Texas - [5/28/09] (From Stephen Wenger) Texas Senate Approves RKBA Resolution: The Texas Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 54 by State Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) to express opposition to federal legislation infringing on the individual right to keep and bear arms… The resolution reasserts our “right to keep and bear arms to protect oneself, one’s family, and one’s possessions from either the lawlessness of other persons or the tyranny of the government.” Senate Concurrent Resolution 54 specifically opposes federal gun control legislation such as the Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record Sale Act of 2009 filed in the United States Congress, which would require all firearm owners to apply for and carry a federally issued license in order to keep any firearm in their homes.

After a police officer's 12-year-old son got access to the officer's handgun, the officer was prosecuted for violating Mass. Gen. Laws. ch. 140, § 131L… Last month, the court held the statute was unconstitutional (Commonwealth v. Bolduc), and dismissed the prosecution. I only just now managed to get a copy of the opinion, and here's the relevant discussion: The locking mechanisms [required by the statute] are the functional equivalent of those enumerated in the D.C. statute struck down in Heller. In Heller, the Court held that the Second Amendment not only protects an individual's right to possess firearms but that the right requires that the firearms be available for "the purpose of immediate self-defense." The Massachusetts statute mandating lock boxes or similar devices would frustrate an owner's ability to immediately access an operable weapon… Interestingly, the court seemed to assume that the Second Amendment applies to state laws - what lawyers call the "incorporation" issue - which is something Heller pointedly declined to resolve.

http://volokh.com/posts/1238111035.shtmlTexas - [3/30/09] Campus-Carry Bill Gets Hearing Today: …Today, Woods is among the leaders in a fight against bills in the Texas Legislature that would allow licensed concealed gun carriers to take their weapons to school. A public hearing is set for Monday in the House Public Safety Committee on one bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Driver, a Garland Republican… Supporters say the bills would protect the rights of those licensed to carry concealed weapons and help prevent a massacre on the scale of what happened at Virginia Tech and another shooting last year at Northern Illinois University, where five were killed and 18 wounded. Texas issued 73,090 licenses in fiscal year 2008. The state requires applicants to pass a training course, pass a criminal background check and be at least 21 years old. Texas campuses are gun-free zones… Texas is one of seven states currently considering legislation. "We hope Texas will serve as a leader and have a domino effect," Kasprzak said…

Last week the Texas Senate unanimously passed a bill that would allow Texans to take their guns and ammunition to work as long as they leave the weapons in their car - even if their bosses object. "Here in Texas people like their firearms," Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, the author of the bill, said. "If they want to bring them to the workplace they are going to do it whether there is a policy or not." Although Hegar's bill is now in the House where it faces more scrutiny, it is not the only gun-related legislation in the 81st Legislature. There are several other gun-related bills this session, including one that would allow Texans with concealed weapon licenses to carry their firearms on college campuses and another that would exempt the purchase of guns, rifles, shotguns and ammunition from the state sales tax if the items are bought the last weekend of August, both filed by Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio…

Alabama employers could one day find that their employees are bringing more than lunch and briefcases to work each day. They could be bringing a gun, and under a bill moving through the Alabama Legislature there might be very little an employer can do to stop them. Democratic lawmakers in the House and the Senate are sponsoring bills that would prohibit employers from establishing policies or rules that stop gun permit holders from keeping a gun locked in their car while they're at work. Backed by the National Rifle Association, the bills would make it a Class A misdemeanor if an employer establishes, maintains or enforces such a policy. The NRA has been successful in getting similar legislation passed in nearly 10 states. Both the House and Senate versions have cleared committees in each chamber and await full debate…

An amendment to repeal the National Park Service (NPS) gun ban is headed to the floor of the U.S. House on Wednesday, March 25. The massive public land bill, which has bounced between the House and Senate in recent weeks, has sidestepped the issue of your right to self-defense. Several pro-gun representatives tried to amend the bill so that it offers real protection of Second Amendment rights, but they were prevented by the anti-gun leadership. Repeal of the gun ban takes on added urgency after a federal appeals court issued an injunction last week to stop changes made by the Bush administration to allow concealed carry on NPS land from taking effect. When the bill comes to the floor on Wednesday, pro-gun Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA) and Rob Bishop (R-UT) plan to offer an amendment to repeal the onerous NPS gun ban. First, a procedural vote, known as "Ordering the Previous Question," will be voted on. A "no" vote is the pro-gun position on that motion. If we are successful on that vote, there will be a vote on an amendment to repeal the NPS gun ban. Urge your representative to vote IN FAVOR of the Hastings-Bishop amendment…

Washington State - [3/25/09] (From the GOA) Seattle Gun Ban Will Be Challenged

Once again when faced with a controversy, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is reviving his plan to ban legally-carried firearms from city property, and the Second Amendment Foundation today promises once again to immediately take him to court. "This time around," said SAF founder Alan Gottlieb, "Mayor Nickels needs to raise this issue to distract public attention from the political smell arising from the snow-plowing investigation. We remind the mayor that his office has been warned by Attorney General Rob McKenna that neither he, nor the city, has the authority to enact such a ban under state preemption. Mayor Nickels thinks he can enact this ban merely by executive order," Gottlieb observed. "He's not even thinking of putting this before the city council as a proposed ordinance, because he knows it would never pass. Greg Nickels is the mayor of Seattle, not the emperor of a city-state." Nickels' plan was revealed by the Seattle Weekly Tuesday morning. A spokesman for the mayor's office told the newspaper that the ban "is expected to begin sometime in May." Gottlieb said SAF expects to be joined in a legal action by other gun rights organizations…

USA - [3/21/09] Court Suspends National-Park Carry: Today, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. granted anti-gun plaintiffs a temporary restraining order against implementation of the new rule allowing concealed carry in national parks and national wildlife refuges. Until further notice, individuals cannot legally carry loaded, concealed firearms for personal protection in national parks and wildlife refuges. The court did grant NRA's motion to intervene in the cases. Under federal law, NRA is entitled to an immediate appeal, and NRA will exercise that right. "Just as we did not give up the fight to change the old, outdated rule, we will not give up our fight in the courts to defend the rule change," said NRA chief lobbyist Chris W. Cox. "We will pursue every legal avenue to defend the American people's right to self-defense." (It was actually the Virginia Citizens Defense League that initiated this fight.)

Faced with a choice between gun rights and property rights, a House panel sided Thursday with the former. On a 6-2 vote the Judiciary Committee approved legislation to allow people to drive into privately owned parking lots with loaded weapons in their vehicles. The wishes of the business owner would become legally irrelevant. With bipartisan support, the bill now goes to the full House. The measure is being pushed by the National Rifle Association, which has convinced lawmakers in some other states to approve similar measures. Lobbyist Todd Rathner said people have a constitutional right to be armed. "If they carry a gun for self-defense, they're not able to exercise that right if they carry a gun from their home to their place of work,'' he said, as most companies and property owners do not provide lockers or other places for the gun owners to store their weapons while they are inside the office, manufacturing plant or store… (Curiously absent is any mention of the role of AzCDL.)

Most of the Committee seemed in favor of the bill, one or two legislators made mention that they had recieved multiple calls from constituents in support of HB 1623. Good job you guys. Rep. Dawn Creekmore mentioned that she was contacted by an undercover officer who was on the concealed carry list that was published and now was in jeapordy and feared for his life. Another relayed a call that a constuent's car was broken into immediately after it was known that the list was published and his handgun was stolen from his vehicle. Several other legislators thanked Rep. Stewart for bringing HB 1623 to the committee as a responsible measure to an undeniably irresponsible act…

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone is seeking to preserve gun safety laws by fighting two court rulings that could loosen gun storage regulations. Leone’s office filed an appeal in the state appeals court, disputing a Lowell District Court decision to dismiss gun charges against a Billerica man for improperly storing a firearm and possessing a firearm without a valid firearm identification card. Richard Runyan’s lawyers argued the charges against him were unconstitutional based on a Supreme Court case, Washington, D.C. versus Heller, ruling individuals have a right to posses weapons for self-defense and requiring that handguns be inoperable while stored restricts that right…

Last fall, Buckeye Firearms Association was pleased to report that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) had ordered all "NO GUNS" signs at state rest stops and visitor centers to be removed. This action was in response to passage and implementation of Senate Bill 184, which included several major fixes to Ohio's concealed handgun licensure (CHL) law, including a change designed to allow patrons of rest stops to use the facilities without having to disarm. The law took effect September 3, but people who carry concealed weapons (CCW) in Ohio continued to report seeing the problematic signs at highway rest areas and visitor centers… Buckeye Firearms Association has now received word from ODOT Assistant Legal Counsel Heather Sullivan that "the districts have reported all of the signs are down", and in fact that the last signs were removed earlier today…

South Dakota[3/6/09] (From Stephen Wenger) Preemption Bill Could Be Gutted:

Senator Gene Abdallah (R-Sioux Falls) is at it again. Many will remember that in years past, Sen. Abdallah supported every single anti-gun bill to be introduced. In 2006, SDGO took him to task for his anti-gun record, forcing him to spend 4 times more money to win re-election. As a result, Sen. Abdallah stopped introducing anti-gun legislation and actually voted pro-gun several times. But it now appears that he is beginning to forget the lesson of 2006. Earlier today, Sen. Abdallah joined the anti-gun crowd in their efforts to create a patchwork of anti-gun restrictions all over the state. As you may know, city officials are banning guns in South Dakota. Regardless of whether you possess a concealed pistol permit, these bureaucrats and politicians say you cannot carry a handgun to defend yourself on city property. SDGO introduced HB 1278 to end this outrageous denial of your right to self-defense. The State House passed the bill, 46 to 20, and soundly defeated efforts to gut the bill with anti-gun amendments. But now Sen. Abdallah and six left-leaning members of the Senate State Affairs committee voted to gut HB 1278 with the very same anti-gun amendment. They have changed it from a very simple pro-gun bill to one of the most anti-gun bills to hit South Dakota in years…

Jason Bowman would feel safer walking to his night classes at Tarrant County College if he had his concealed handgun. But he leaves it behind because state law doesn’t let him carry it on campus. The 23-year-old Benbrook man is among those hoping that will change soon, as state lawmakers consider the issue. The expansion of the concealed-carry law is just one of several firearm proposals ricocheting around the Texas Capitol, drawing fire from gun safety advocates. Among the bills this year are efforts to let Texans buy rifles and shotguns in noncontiguous states; allow counties to regulate noise, which could affect shooting ranges; and let employees with concealed-handgun permits leave their guns in their locked cars at work. Even as some proposals seem to be gaining support, one hot gun topic - letting Texans openly carry handguns - seems to be losing steam, as supporters fear they won’t find a lawmaker to carry the bill…

Given several inaccuracies in recent media reports, I want to clarify some of the things the bill does and does not do. The bill repeals one statute that generally prohibits weapons on the state Capitol Complex. Second, it amends a separate statute prohibiting weapons in courthouses so that the ban will apply only to those portions of the Capitol in which the Supreme Court and its offices are located. Senate Bill 147 is hardly revolutionary. As in Oregon, New Hampshire, Virginia and several other states that respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners, the bill would permit us to exercise our right to keep and bear arms around and inside our Capitol in the same manner as most other public places…

The real news this week, however, was that Attorney General Eric Holder announced Wednesday the Obama administration's intention to seek reinstatement of the so-called "assault weapons" ban signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1994, but which expired in 2004. "As President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make, and among them would be to reinstitute the ban on the sale of assault weapons," Holder said. For justification, he pointed out that Mexican drug cartels have purchased weapons in the U.S. Fortunately, Senate Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) say they want no part of such a ban… In 2007, the FBI reports that rifles of all types accounted for three percent of all murders, while "hands, fists, feet, etc." accounted for five percent. "Assault weapons" are used in about one-fifth of one percent of all violent crime. Meanwhile, Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports, "In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater). These deaths constitute 31.7 percent of the 41,059 total traffic fatalities in 2007." Perhaps a ban on "assault alcohol" is in order… (This article begins on page 9 of the linked PDF.)

Friday, February 27, 2009 Yesterday, the United States Senate voted, with overwhelming bipartisan support, to adopt an amendment offered by Nevada Senator John Ensign (R), that seeks to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in the District of Columbia. The amendment, attached to S.160, the "D.C. Voting Rights Act", will repeal restrictive gun control laws passed by the District of Columbia's (D.C.) city council in defiance of the landmark D.C. v. Heller Supreme Court decision. The vote margin was 62-36.

Buckeye Firearms Foundation, Inc., an Ohio not-for profit foundation, filed a lawsuit today in the Common Pleas Court of Cuyahoga County, Ohio seeking a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction to stop the City of Cleveland from prosecuting law-abiding gun owners under local ordinances that restrict gun ownership and concealed carry (CCW). The lawsuit also asks the Court to declare 20 different local ordinances unconstitutional on the grounds of state preemption of firearm laws…

On Thursday, February 26, State Senator Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) introduced Senate Bill 1164, Texas’ Campus Carry Bill. On the House side, State Representative Joe Driver also filed an identical companion bill, House Bill 1893. SB 1164 and HB 1893 would grant persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun the right to do so on any college campus. These bills are an important expansion of Texas’ Right-to-Carry freedoms. SB 1164 and HB 1893 have yet to be assigned to a committee, so please continue to check your email and www.NRAILA.com for further updates. In the mean time please call your Senators and urge them to support SB 1164, and contact your Representatives and urge them to support HB 1893. Contact information can be found at http://www.senate.state.tx.us and www.house.state.tx.us

Why did the U.S. Justice Department file a late-night brief in response to a three-organization lawsuit on February 13, stating that a midnight rule change by the Bush administration to allow carrying of concealed weapons in the national parks “will not have any significant impacts on public health and safety”? It turns out that this statement did not come from the current Justice Department… In short, Justice is requiring the plaintiffs to prove their case more effectively within the requirements of federal law…

Timothy M. Kaine said today he would veto legislation passed by the General Assembly yesterday that would allow holders of concealed weapons permits to bring their hidden guns into establishments that serve alcohol. “I’m very nervous about the public safety impact of that bill,“ the governor said on his monthly call-in radio show on WRVA in Richmond… (As I understand Virginia law, it is currently legal to carry an exposed firearm into an establishment that serves alcohol and even to consume alcohol while the firearm is exposed. The bill Kaine intends to veto would apparently permit licensed concealed carry, in exchange for a ban on alcohol consumption, in such premises, while carrying concealed.)

New Mexico - [02/27/09] The hearing on SB 608 - has been changed in the Senate Corporations & Transportation Committee. It's now rescheduled for Wednesday, March 4th, in room 311 at 2pm - or 1/2 hour following the floor session. Please try to contact your legislators on this bill. If it's possible for you to attend the hearing and personally tell the committee members you support the measure, please try to do so.

Today in the House Judiciary Committee, three bills of interest to gun owners were heard, But without question, the one that most gun owners will want to know about was HB 2463. This bill recognizes the concealed handgun licenses of all other states. At the request of OFF, an amendment was drafted that extended that recognition to Alaska and Vermont, which allow their residents to carry concealed without a license. As you know, this type of legislation has been introduced many times in the past and has always generated resistance from the Oregon Sheriffs. At today's hearing, the representative of the Oregon Sheriffs stated that they no longer opposed recognizing the CHL's of other states. This is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to have Oregon join the many states that allow non-residents to be safe while visiting…

The Obama administration will seek to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 during the Bush administration, Attorney General Eric Holder said today. "As President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make, and among them would be to reinstitute the ban on the sale of assault weapons," Holder told reporters. Holder said that putting the ban back in place would not only be a positive move by the United States, it would help cut down on the flow of guns going across the border into Mexico, which is struggling with heavy violence among drug cartels along the border… "I think closing the gun show loophole, the banning of cop-killer bullets and I also think that making the assault weapons ban permanent, would be something that would be permitted under Heller," Holder said, referring to the Supreme Court ruling in Washington, D.C. v. Heller, which asserted the Second Amendment as an individual's right to own a weapon.

Senator John Ensign of Nevada offered his amendment to repeal D.C.'s draconian gun ban today. But Senators John Thune of South Dakota and David Vitter of Louisiana have also stepped up to the plate. They filed an amendment that would result in REAL national concealed carry reciprocity - without adversely affecting no-permit states like Alaska and Vermont. So now the battle lines are drawn! By the end of the week, the Senate will vote on whether to rule these two pro-gun amendments out of order. The vote could come on a so-called "cloture" motion to cut off debate (and thus kill the Ensign and Thune/Vitter amendments). Moreover, if the underlying bill is then passed, the virulently anti-gun jurisdiction of the District of Columbia will be rewarded with a voting member of the House of Representatives…

New Mexico - [02/26/09] SB 608 - has been set for the Senate Corporations & Transportation Committee
on Friday, 02/27 in room 311 at 2pm - or 1/2 hour following the floor session. Please try to contact your legislators on this bill. If it's possible for you to attend the hearing and personally tell the committee members you support the measure, please try to do so.

New Mexico - [2/23/09] Senate Bill 507 SB 507, REMOVING THE TWO-YEAR REFRESHER FIREARMS TRAINING COURSE REQUIRED FOR LICENSEES was heard on the Senate Floor yesterday. It passed 31-9. It now moves on to the House for committee assignments. It is expected to be assigned to HBIC and HJC.

In my last column I highlighted the draconian nature of the DC City Council’s changes to the District’s gun control laws quietly passed in December, 2008 amidst all the Presidential inaugural hubbub. But here’s the silver lining – the Council’s repeal of the Police Chief’s discretionary authority to issue gun carry permits makes district residents eligible to obtain mail order handgun carry permits from Pennsylvania. Here’s why: Pennsylvania requires non-resident applicants to possess a home state carry permit, unless the home state or district does not issue carry permits. Only Illinois, Vermont, and now DC refuses to issue gun carry permits. At least Vermont has a good excuse in that no permit is required to carry a handgun in Vermont, even concealed… (Actually, Wisconsin also lacks any provision to issue carry permits.)

Illinois is one of just two states that do not allow legal concealed carry of a firearm. A bill introduced Jan. 20 by state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, would leave Wisconsin as the last member of the Union to limit its residents’ right to personal protection. The Family and Personal Protection Act would establish a permit program to allow citizens who undergo training, evaluation and screening to carry a concealed firearm. The measure already has the backing of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (90 percent of sheriffs responding to an ISA survey support concealed carry). It seems a logical extension of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year regarding the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The right to keep and bear arms is a defense against not only an organized, potentially tyrannical government, but also against the forces of chaos, i.e individual criminals intent on doing one harm. One should have the right to be secure in his or her person outside the home as well as in it…

Utah won't ban out-of-state instructors from qualifying people for a concealed weapon permit despite worries from the gun-rights community about abuses that could erode the value of a Utah permit in other states. Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, originally was going to push an outright prohibition, but substituted his bill after speaking with lobbyists from the National Rifle Association. Now, his HB204 creates a formal complaint process to address issues with nonresident instructors. An instructor who has complaints is entitled to a hearing, and if found guilty, could lose his or her teaching license and concealed weapon permit for up to seven years. Clark Aposhian, chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, worries states, such as Nevada, that have expressed concerns about nonresident instructors may now stop accepting Utah's permit… (Hmm. I suspect that the biggest source of out-of-state instruction for Utah CFP’s is Nevada’s Front Sight Firearms Training Institute.)

Wyoming [2/22/09] Wyoming Recognition Boondoggle:

Due to an overwhelmingly negative response from gun owners both in and outside Wyoming, an attempt made earlier this week to drastically limit Wyoming’s Right-to-Carry Reciprocity statute has been suspended for the time being, once again restoring the original Right-to-Carry Reciprocity statute. This break will allow the NRA to review the current statute and develop a plan to bring a bill before the Wyoming State Legislature during the next legislative session to ensure that this never happens again to law-abiding citizens in Wyoming…

Please Contact the Members of the Senate Corporations & Transportation Committee!

State Senator George Munoz (D-4) has introduced Senate Bill 608, a measure that would permit Concealed Handgun Licensees to protect themselves in establishments that are licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises IF the establishment derives a majority of its annual gross receipts from the sale of food. The measure is somewhat similar to House Bill 105, sponsored by State Representative John Heaton (D-55), which is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.

SB 608 has been referred to the Senate Corporations & Transportation Committee. Please contact the committee members listed below at their capitol offices and urge them to support SB 608. Remind them that it is already unlawful to carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, and that Concealed Handgun Licensees should not be denied their right to self-defense just because other patrons of a dining establishment can legally choose to consume alcoholic beverages on the premises.

Also, please continue contacting the members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support HB 105 and to ask the Chairman to set the bill for a hearing. Contact information for both committees can be found below.

At a marathon hearing Thursday, backers and opponents of a bill to expand gun rights in Montana painted distinctly different pictures of the state and its gun laws. Proponents of House Bill 228 said gun owners in Montana are now held captive by gray areas in Montana statute that could lead to them being prosecuted for defending themselves with their firearm, or even displaying a pistol to deter would-be attackers. But opponents said the laws already on the books work, and that the expanded gun-rights bill would hamper law enforcement’s ability to prosecute people whom they believe had wrongly used a gun…

Montana lawmakers fired another shot in battles for states’ rights as they supported letting some Montana gun owners and dealers skip reporting their transactions to the federal government. Under House Bill 246, firearms made in Montana and used in Montana would be exempt from federal regulation. The same would be true for firearm accessories and ammunition made and sold in the state… “Firearms are inextricably linked to the history and culture of Montana, and I’d like to support that,” Boniek said. “But I want to point out that the issue here is not about firearms. It’s about state rights.” The House voted 64-36 for the bill on Saturday. If it clears a final vote, the measure will go to the Senate. House Republicans were joined by 14 Democrats in passing the measure… The Montana bill follows fears here and elsewhere that the election of Barack Obama as president will trigger more gun regulation. In the months before Obama’s inauguration, Montanans rushed to stock up on guns, pushing gun sales beyond normal benchmarks despite the recession…

State Sen. Glenn Hegar has introduced Senate Bill 730, which would allow employees with concealed handgun permits to keep weapons and ammunition secured in their vehicles at work. Unfortunately, the Texas Association of Business is against SB 730. The TAB's fears are unfounded. Every statistic bears out the fact that individuals with concealed handgun permits are among the most law-abiding citizens in Texas, and that states with concealed handgun permits experience reductions in crime. TAB should research the facts rather than allowing ideology to influence stands on issues. It's the non-permit holders with guns illegally concealed in their vehicles in company parking lots the TAB should be concerned about, not those individuals who have taken a very good course on the use of, dangers associated with and the laws regulating the carrying of concealed handguns…

Bringing a gun or other weapons to the State Capitol Complex isn't allowed. But, one Senator believes the ban on weapons is too broad. Preston County Senator Dave Sypolt brought Bill 147 before the Senate last week. It proposes repealing the prohibition on bringing deadly weapons onto the State Capitol Complex… What the Senator wants is for certified gun owners to at least have the right to keep their weapons in their vehicles while doing business at the capitol… Senator Sypolt even suggests giving gun owners the option of handing over their weapons to a guard. He says having a lock box at the entrance gates would allow them to hand over their weapons and then get them back on their way out…

Indiana - [2/14/09] (From the NRA) Important Parking Lot/Worker Protection Bill Heading to Senate Floor in the Hoosier St.

Senate Bill 11, sponsored by NRA Board Member and State Senator, Johnny Nugent, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 6-2 vote. Thank you for contacting the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and requesting a hearing for Indiana's Parking Lot Bill. SB 11 now heads to the full Senate for a floor vote next week. It is imperative that you call your State Senator TODAY and ask them to support this very important legislation. Despite claims that this legislation would violate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, a recent letter from the U.S. Department of Labor Acting Assistant Secretary proclaimed that Parking Lot bills, “do not on their face pose a conflict with the general duty clause or purpose of the OSH Act.” Please read the whole of the OSHA letter here: http://www.nraila.org/media/PDFs/OSHAParkingLotLtr01162009.pdf.

A new Illinois bill represents another assault on the rights of law-abiding firearm owners in the state by forcing them to maintain a $1 million liability insurance policy or risk losing the right to own a firearm. Most individuals in Illinois, with some exceptions, must obtain a “Firearm Owner’s Identification Card” to legally own a firearm. House Bill 687, sponsored by Representative Kenneth Dunkin (D- Chicago), would force all of those individuals to obtain a $1 million liability insurance policy. This policy would cover any damages that take place from the use of a firearm owned by the individual. The bill also authorizes the Department of the State Police to revoke and seize the identification card from any firearm owner that does not supply proof of the liability coverage to the Department…

Kentucky [2/14/09] (From the NRA) Kentucky Right-to-Carry Reform Measure to be Heard on Wednesday, February 25

The House Judiciary Committee will hear House Bill 419 as early as Wednesday, February 25. HB 419, sponsored by State Representative Robert Damron (D-39), would permit hunters to carry firearms and/or deadly weapons for self-defense of themselves as well as others during hunting, fishing, trapping, and other activities. This pro-gun bill will also prohibit Fish and Wildlife Resources from publishing any administrative regulations restricting the rights provided within this bill. Please contact the your State Representative and the members of the House Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully voice your support for HB 419. Your State Representative can be reached by phone at (502) 564-8100. More Info Here.

Tennessee legislators have filed a rash of new bills to allow guns in state and local parks, restaurants serving alcohol and even schools and also limiting public access to lists of gun-carry permit holders. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who is sponsoring two of the gun bills, said Thursday he believes the measures stand a much better chance of passing this year as a result of the new GOP majority in the legislature… As of Thursday afternoon, 18 bills were filed to loosen restrictions on where guns may be taken, four were filed to make the information confidential and two others were filed to exempt from criminal prosecution people who shoot others in the protection of their property…

To our Readers: [2/6/09] I apologize for not keeping up with the news. I have taken a Construction Safety Oversite Position working 50 to 58 hours 6 days a week plus travel time of an hour each way for a couple months. This will make news updates a little slower. This is also a very busy time as many State Law Makers are meeting. I will try my best to keep you informed. My first priority is to keep the info on the site up to date. The news section comes second. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our readers. Gary Slider

A bill that would make people who kill or hurt a criminal while defending their property immune from lawsuits faces a hurdle, the bill's sponsor says. The bill, introduced by state Sen. Steve Neville, passed the Senate Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday by a 7-1 vote with one lawmaker absent. But it must clear the Senate Judiciary Committee before the Senate votes. The bill faces challenges in the judiciary committee, said Neville, R-Aztec. Civil libertarians and trial lawyers have argued that everyone has the right to sue. State law does not protect home and property owners from lawsuits brought on by criminals injured while committing crimes, Neville said. Neville's proposed legislation would force those lawsuits to be dismissed, unless the person injured or killed is a law enforcement officer performing his or her duties…

On Tuesday, February 3, the House Business & Industry Committee unanimously approved House Bill 105, NRA-backed legislation sponsored by State Representative John Heaton (D-Carlsbad). HB 105 would permit Concealed Handgun Licensees to protect themselves in establishments that are licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises IF the establishment derives more than 60% of their annual gross receipts from the sale of food. Thanks go out to the supporters of the measure who attended the hearing and provided clear, concise, and compelling testimony to the committee! …HB 105 now moves to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. NRA-ILA will keep you posted on the date, time and location of future hearings on the bill. The volume of phone calls and emails in support of HB 105 has been enormous. With the legislative session in full swing and many lawmakers working around the clock with little or no staff assistance, it’s time to target our message for optimum effectiveness! …

Holders of concealed-carry permits could bring their weapons onto school grounds and into restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages under a bill introduced by state Sen. Shane Martin. On school property, a gun would have to remain in a locked vehicle. In a restaurant, a person carrying a gun could not sit at the bar. Sens. Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, and Glenn Reese, D-Boiling Springs, have signed on as co-sponsors. Martin said the bill would keep "a good, law-abiding citizen out of trouble just from pulling onto campus," and would allow teachers and administrators who hold concealed-carry permits to keep their weapons in their vehicles while at work…

Support for allowing concealed carry of firearms in Illinois - one of just two states that still outlaw it - is coming from what seems like an unlikely direction: the Illinois Sheriffs' Association. The group, for the first time in its history, is taking a qualified stand in favor of the controversial practice. State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, proposed a bill (HB245) last week that would allow residents to obtain concealed firearm permits. It would require background checks and training in handgun use, safety and marksmanship. Similar bills have been introduced in the past, and died with little support. "I believe to be successful the key to concealed carry is training," said St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus, voicing his support Wednesday. "If we allow concealed carry, we must make sure only the right people have the guns. This is best done by requiring training, proper identification, and a thorough background check - including a mental evaluation…

This nefarious bill seeks to strip us all of our Constitutional Rights to possess and bear firearms of any distinction. It requires, within the first two years, that all new guns be registered. The bill goes retroactive after two years. Meaning that two years after the passage of the bill, ALL FIREARMS in a citizen’s possession must be registered, not just those purchased after the bill passes, and this apparently applies to antique firearms as well. Every five years the firearm owner must go through a complete renewal process for each weapon owned. Failure to comply carries stiff penalties including confiscation of the firearms and jail time (penalties as high as ten years imprisonment in some cases). The bill also authorizes government searches without warrant, the creation of a federal bureaucracy to monitor firearm possession, etc…

HB 105 is up in House Business & Industry Committee next Tuesday at 1:30 in Room 309. Please contact the HB&IC members to make your voice heard. If you can afford time, please come to the Roundhouse and speak to House members in the hearing.

UPDATED [02/24/09] HB 105 was heard as scheduled and passed with unanimous approval. Rep. Campos was excused. All 11 remaining committee members voted for the bill. Here's the report from The NRA.

New Mexico - [01/27/09] CIVIL IMMUNITY FOR SELF-DEFENSE.

State Senator Steven Neville (R-San Juan County) has introducedSenate Bill 109. This bill would establish Civil Immunity from prosecution in cases where use of deadly force is justified.

Please Contact the Members of the House Business & Industry Committee!

State Representative John Heaton (D-Carlsbad) has introduced House Bill 105, a measure that would permit Concealed Handgun Licensees to protect themselves in establishments that are licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises IF the establishment derives more than 60% of their annual gross receipts from the sale of food.

The legislature passed House Bill 588 in 2007 to open up grocery and convenience stores, which sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, to Concealed Handgun Licensees; NRA supported that bill and backs this latest effort to allow them to lawfully enter restaurants.

So many, want to keep honest me since the mid 1970s. The rev Americans from having access to firearms, even though, since 2003, in states which allow concealed carry, violent crime rates have been lower than anytierse logic of this "knee jerk" reaction is astounding and has lead to an outright assault on our basic Constitutional and natural rights. These misguided policies to keep firearms out of the hands of law abiding citizens literally mean a death sentence for thousands of Americans.

We have a new format for State CCW Information. On the main page if you click on any state on the map a page with information on just that state opens. Most of the info for each state is now on its own page. Check it out.

On Monday, January 26, the Missouri Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on two gun bills.

Senate Bill 3, sponsored by State Senator Delbert Scott (R-28), also known as the “Business Premises Safety Act,” would prohibit business owners from restricting any person from lawfully possessing a firearm in a motor vehicle, except in motor vehicles owned or leased by the business. Business owners and operators would not be held liable for injury or damage resulting from compliance with the “Business Premises Safety Act.”

Senate Bill 52, introduced by State Senator Joan Bray (D-24), would grant law enforcement arbitrary discretion to confiscate lawfully owned firearms from their owners without due process if the officer deems there is probable cause of “domestic assault”, thus stripping them of their Second Amendment rights. SB 52 also broadly redefines “domestic assault” as “any dispute arising between spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, individuals who are presently residing together or have resided together in the past, a person who is or has been in a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, and persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have resided together at any time.”

U.S. Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Rick Boucher (D-Va.), recently introduced H.R. 197-- the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2009" - a bill that would provide national recognition for valid state Right-to-Carry licensees. The bill would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state, to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if the permit holder meets certain criteria. In states that issue permits, a state's laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders. In states that do not issue carry permits, a federal standard would apply. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses… (I remain squeamish about this concept. “If the permit holder meets certain criteria” can all to easily result in federal criteria for issuance being dictated to the states.)

Two bills put before lawmakers Thursday would put on the books a widely recognized right to use a gun on home intruders posing a serious threat, but one Republican says the Legislature needs to go farther in protecting Montanans’ Second Amendment rights.

To some observers, incidents like the Virginia Tech shooting of 2007 prove the need for tighter gun control. But to a growing group of students, such tragedies show that people on college campuses should be allowed to arm themselves for protection against school shooters.

The words "liberal" and "Utah" are rarely used in the same sentence, unless you're talking about firearms statutes. Utah's concealed-carry permit law is one of the most liberal, and by that we mean permissive, in the nation. Utah permits are inexpensive, simple to acquire, slow to expire, easy to renew and are accepted in 32 other states through reciprocity agreements. And, for those reasons, they're the permit of choice for a nation of gun lovers. Approximately half of the new permits issued by the state in recent years have been acquired by nonresidents, many from states with more restrictive laws. But that could change. There's a gun battle shaping up on Utah's Capitol Hill. State Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, fired the first shot last week, filing a bill that would prevent nonresidents from obtaining Utah gun permits. And gun advocates, who claim to have been ambushed by the proposal, appear determined to shoot it down…

State Representative Carl Isett (R-Lubbock) has introduced House Bill 410, a measure repealing the requirement that Concealed Handgun Licensees display their carry license if they are in possession of a handgun and are stopped by a law enforcement officer who requests identification. Under current law, failure by CHLs to display their carry licenses in these situations could lead to licenses being suspended for 90 days. When HB 1815 by Representative Isett and State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen) passed and was signed into law in 2007, it legalized the carrying of handguns in private motor vehicles by non-CHLs, and it contained no similar "notice" requirement. HB 410 would remove the double-standard "notice" requirement that remains imposed by law on CHLs…

Applications for concealed carry permits tripled in Larimer County in the last quarter of 2008, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Thursday it is having trouble keeping up with the workload due to so many new applications statewide. CBI completed 18,725 background checks for people seeking concealed weapon permits in 2008. They took in 1,395 applications in December '08 compared to 797 in December of '07. A spokesperson said the CBI can’t keep up at this pace for much longer with current staffing and budget constraints…

Hub Territory cities can continue to ban the carrying of concealed weapons despite the Nebraska attorney general’s opinion. Attorney General Jon Bruning announced an opinion Wednesday that a conceal-carry law passed in 2006 applies to all communities, despite clauses that allowed cities local control. Lexington City Manager Joe Pepplitsch said until he hears differently, he will assume that Lexington’s ban remains in effect. “An attorney general’s opinion has no legal effect. There’s a lot of questions about it, but we’ll probably take no action,” Pepplitsch said. “We have an ordinance prohibiting concealed weapons, and it doesn’t pre-empt any other laws, so for us it’s a nonissue. We’re not taking any action on it.” …

Two bills put before lawmakers Thursday would put on the books a widely recognized right to use a gun on home intruders posing a serious threat, but one Republican says the Legislature needs to go farther in protecting Montanans’ Second Amendment rights… The identical bills would enshrine the so-called “Castle Doctrine,” a common-law concept that holds a person can use deadly force in their own home if someone poses a serious threat to them. Those testifying at Thursday’s hearings said county prosecutors in Montana already recognize the Castle Doctrine and that the law should reflect that…

Anti-gun zealots are working hard to erode our Second Amendment freedoms and end the private transfer and sale of firearms between individuals, including family members. Gun-banning extremists never rest and will attempt to regulate and ban firearms in every legislative session in the Old Dominion. Similar legislation was defeated just last year in both the Virginia House and the Senate. There is little doubt that non-shooters and anti-gun forces will be active in making their voices heard so it is vital that gun owners and sportsmen speak loudly. Please contact the members of the Virginia State Crime Commission TODAY by email at vsccinfo@vscc.virginia.gov or fax at (804) 786-7872 and respectfully urge them to oppose any legislation that restricts the private sale of personal property and treats law abiding citizens as criminals.

Note: The NRA failed to mention contacting the Virginia Citizens Defense League the #1 Gun Rights Org in Virginia. You can contact them for additional information.

USA via Tennessee - [1/7/09] (From the NRA) Park Visitors Have Nothing to Fear From New Gun Law

A handgun carry permit is a precaution - plain and simple. Not a license to shoot someone over "a camping space" or "a triviality"...The general population is 5.7 times more likely to be arrested for a violent offense than permit holders, and 13.5 times more likely to be arrested for a nonviolent offense than permit holders.

Florida - [1/7/09] (From the NRA) Teachers Should Be Allowed to Carry Guns

Why then do we deprive teachers of their basic right to self-defense? Take the question further. If it involved self-defense at a school campus, the lives of our children are probably at stake as well — and we're going to expect teachers to protect our children with what? A textbook?

Iowa - [1/7/09] (From Stephen Wenger) Gura to Speak at Iowa Law School

Alan Gura, the attorney whose argument persuaded the Supreme Court last year to strike down one of the country’s most stringent firearms bans, will discuss his litigation in the case when he visits the University of Iowa College of Law Monday, Jan. 12. Gura will also discuss the originalist theories of the Second Amendment when he speaks at 12:40 p.m. in Room 115 of the Boyd Law Building. Admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Gura was the lead attorney in the case District of Columbia v. Heller, which was heard by the Supreme Court last March and de-cided in June. At issue was a law restricting gun ownership by residents of Washington, D.C…

Beginning Wednesday, Michigan will no longer require a post-purchase safety inspection of handguns purchased. Currently, every time a handgun is purchased in Michigan, whether it is a commercial sale or a private sale between two individuals, the purchaser must take the pistol to their local police department and present it for "safety inspection." During these inspections, actual checks for safety really never took place. What was accomplished was that the make, model, caliber and serial number of the gun was registered to the purchaser. The Legislature has recognized the hypocrisy of this process and will now trust its citizens to send them the correct information regarding the handgun to be registered…

Tucked away in one of the District of Columbia's new gun regulations is the following provision:

"Except as provided in subsections (c), (d), or (e) of this section, beginning January 1, 2009, a pistol that is not on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, also known as the California Roster of Handguns Determined Not to be Unsafe, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 12131 as of January 1, 2009, may not be manufactured, sold, given, loaned, exposed for sale, transferred, or imported into the District of Columbia."

This means for a resident in Washington, D.C., to buy a handgun, it has to be approved by the California Department of Justice. And D.C. council members like to whine about taxation without representation? What about the loss of a right based on the whim of an unelected state bureaucrat almost 3,000 miles away? …

USA - [1/5/09] (From the NRA) Anti-Gun Group Sues to Stop Concealed Firearms in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges

An anti-gun group is suing to stop a last-second Bush administration change that would allow Americans with state issued permits to carry a concealed firearm, to carry loaded guns in most national parks and wildlife refuges.

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence sued the Interior Department in federal court on Tuesday.

Another bogus argument of gun control extremists – that sensible concealed carry laws create an increased threat to police officers – has been refuted by statistics from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and published by USA Today. The number of officer fatalities due to gunfire is the lowest in 50 years, noted Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. A report out Monday said that this year, 41 officers have died from gunshot wounds, down 40 percent from the 68 who died by gunfire in 2007. Yet the number of concealed carry permits issued by the states has risen, dramatically in some areas, in the past 12 months. “Better training and equipment have contributed to this decline,” Gottlieb stated, “but it must be noted for the record that growing numbers of legally-armed citizens have not resulted in more police slayings. That has been one of the many lame arguments offered by gun control fanatics over the past few years when they fought against expanded concealed carry rights…”

Fewer police officers died in the line of duty in 2008 compared to last year, reflecting better training and tactics, two law enforcement support groups reported Sunday. The findings reversed the trend for 2007 when there was a spike in police deaths, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and another group, Concerns of Police Survivors. The groups reported fatalities through Sunday… Gunfire deaths dropped to 41 officers this year, compared to 68 in 2007. The 2008 number represented the lowest total since 1956 - when there were 35 - and was far below the peak of 156 officers killed by gunfire in 1973… (Hmm, these figures don’t seem to correlate with the availability, for legal purchase, of military-look-alike firearms.)

With its days numbered, the Bush administration has made an unnecessary and dangerous change to a 25-year-old regulation that bans concealed, loaded firearms in America's national parks and wildlife refuges… This is an astonishingly reckless move, made in the absence of any public outcry in favor of changing this rule. In fact, the public consistently rates our national parks at the top of federal government programs that work well. There is no reason to fix a system that Americans overwhelmingly tell us is not broken… Poaching will increase in our national parks, upsetting the delicate balance between park visitors and wildlife… If there is any good news, it is this: President-elect Barack Obama will take office on Jan. 20. I hope he moves quickly to reverse this monumentally reckless move by his predecessor. (Does Senator Feinstein really believe that there will be poaching by hunters equipped with two-inch .38 revolvers?)

Across the span of the past two decades we have seen a strong evolution in police response tactics in reaction to various violent incidents such as Columbine, Beslan, Virginia Tech and now, Mumbai. Since I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and believe that every legally armed citizen should play a role in “homeland defense” I have gotten the same question a number of times from said civilians: how do we identify ourselves to the arriving police so we don’t get shot? … (This is a real dilemma, both for the private citizen and military and civilian LEO’s. It is known that terrorists and sophisticated criminals have obtained police and EMS uniforms and ID’s, so uniforms and badges provide no real guarantees to either side. In general, for the private citizen, the most crucial step is not to present a threatening image to responding officers. This is why I have always emphasized holsters that allow one-handed reholstering without the need to take your eyes off the threat. Things become much more complicated if the need arises to break out a long gun.)

DAS to Consider New Rules to Allow Employees & Visitors to Transport and Store Lawfully-Owned Firearms in Motor Vehicles Parked on Certain State Properties

As we have reported, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), the central administrative agency of Oregon government that rents, manages or operates a majority of state office buildings, is accepting written comments on proposed rules to remedy conflicts between the state firearms preemption law and their current policies banning the possession of firearms on premises under their control. We would like to report that the comment period has been extended until Wednesday, December 31.

Gun owners in Oregon are familiar with the state’s preemptions statutes which proclaim, "Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate in any matter whatsoever the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition, is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly." Simply put, if the Oregon Legislature has not voted to prohibit the possession of firearms in certain places, a state agency, city council, county commission, or school district cannot pass a rule or ordinance to that effect. However, as we know too well, that has not stopped these entities from attempting to pass and enforce such regulations, even though they have no legal authority to do so.

The amended rule would state that the possession of firearms on the grounds, parking lots or premises of any building under DAS control would be governed by federal and state laws.

If the proposed rule is adopted, myriad unlawful agency restrictions on transporting and storing lawfully owned firearms in private motor vehicles will be overturned, and prohibitions on Concealed Handgun Licensees carrying for personal protection in many state buildings will be removed as well.

"A new student group at Grand Rapids Community College has formed to push the debate on the issue of carrying concealed weapons on college campuses, according to the Grand Rapids Press."
"GRCC student Josh Eberly formed the group Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, as a chapter of a national organization by the same name. The national organization was formed after the Virginia Tech shootings."
"Eberly told the Grand Rapids Press that weapons on campus will help make the space safer."
"'Why wait for the police to show up when your life is in danger?' he told the Press."
"But law enforcement is not keen on the idea of lifting a ban on concealed weapons in weapon free zones. ..." Complete Story Here.

The Louisiana State Police have informed me via email that they have signed an agreement with WV and their web site will be updated next week. WV announced this agreement about three weeks ago and LA was slow in officially confirming it. They explained that they were busy and just didn't have the time to do it yet. Handgunlaw.us data reflects this agreement and LA/WV do have reciprocity.

An armed man walks around a college campus. A college student - legally carrying a concealed weapon - confronts him, restraining the would-be shooter until police arrive. That's the scenario Grand Rapids Community College student Josh Eberly, 25, imagines possible if licensed students were allowed to carry their concealed weapons on campus… This fall Eberly started the first West Michigan charter of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, a nationwide group formed the day after the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting that left 33 people dead… (The photo shows two poor choices. Carrying a handgun directly over the spine invites serious injury if the carrier falls on his back or is slammed into a wall. The holster pictured uses a clip that it longer than the width of the apparently flimsy belt, allowing the holster to shift easily and possibly pull free of the belt during the draw stroke.)

The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) is currently sending letters to all firearms instructors requiring them to complete and return a copy of a Handgun Safety School Class Roster within 24 hours of the completion of a handgun permit certification class, “effective immediately.”

This new roster requires a student to provide information concerning the name of the firearm owner, the name of the student using the firearm, as well as the make, model, and serial number of firearms used. Currently, there are no statutes that authorize the TDOS to collect or require this information. Simply put, this is a backdoor, de facto gun registration scheme! Remember, registration is the first step to potential firearms confiscations. To view a version of the roster form, please click here.

It is imperative that Tennessee’s law abiding gun owners stand-up and voice their opposition to this gun registration plot. Please contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and your State Legislators TODAYand respectfully let them know that you oppose the need and use of these rosters. The Tennessee Department of Safety can be reached by phone at (615) 251-5166. To find contact information for your State Legislators, please click here.

Colorado - [12/20/08] (From Stephen Wenger) Meanwhile, in Colorado

Gay, bisexual and transgendered students gathered with other supporters earlier this month to celebrate diversity on the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs campus. At the “Safety is a Human Right” rally, many of the speakers complained of harassment and threats against gay students at UCCS… The Pink Pistols, a group of gay firearm advocates with a local chapter, has a plan for this. It’s summed up nicely on the organization’s Web site, www.pinkpistols.org: “Armed gays don’t get bashed.” …

Washington - [12/14/08] (From the NRA) Hearing to be Held on Monday, December 15 Regarding Seattle Mayor’s Illegal Anti-Gun Tirade!

As we have reported, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, a member of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun gang, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, is taking a misguided approach to curbing crime in his city by violating state law. A public hearing will be held on Monday, December 15 to discuss the issue. The hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Bertha Knight Landes Room in the Seattle City Hall located at 600 4th Avenue in Seattle

Oregon - [12/14/08] (From the NRA) Help to Allow Employees & Visitors to Transport and Store Lawfully-Owned Firearms in Motor Vehicles Parked on Certain State Properties

Gun owners in Oregon are all too familiar with the never-ending assault on the state’s firearms preemption law by state agencies, cities and counties, and local school districts. Section 166.170(1) of Oregon Revised Statutes clearly states: "Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate in any matter whatsoever the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition, is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly."

This is not to say that your choice of sidearm and your choice of calibre aren't important in your search for "stopping power" ... but there is another variable that is much more important than bullet size and velocity. You. It doesn't matter how big a hole the bullet makes ... if you don't carry the gun that fires it. It doesn't matter how fast that bullet is going ... if you never practice with the gun that fires it… (Or, as Evan Marshall puts it, the three most important components of stopping power are bullet placement, bullet placement and bullet placement.)

It is time for Ohio to get with the program. If you are not consuming alcohol, there is absolutely no reason to blanket prohibit law abiding citizens from being able to protect themselves. I'm even willing to compromise... bona-fide "bars" can stay off limits, for now. The legislature removed the ban on "retail establishments" who happened to be holding events like a wine tasting, provided you're not drinking, so let's remove the ban on restaurants. Ohio already has a law against carrying a firearm while legally intoxicated. Then, after we've proven that Ohio citizens are no less responsible than citizens of other states, we can talk further…

Legislative leaders said Tuesday it’s likely a measure that would allow students to carry concealed weapons on campus would be taken up again next year despite their opposition. House Democratic leader Danny Morgan, a member of the National Rifle Association and a hunter, told members of The State Chamber that legislators are under political pressure to support the idea. His opposition to this year’s measure resulted in him receiving a lower grade from the NRA. House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, said he opposed the original bill, but didn’t mind a later version that would have restricted the privilege to military veterans and others with gun training…

USA - [12/10/08] (From the NRA) Group Asks States To Track Citizens' Ammo

Legislation to trace ammunition is pending in several states, and many gun owners are concerned that it is just another attempt by anti-gun groups to violate citizens' Second Amendment rights. An organization known as Ammunition Accountability is pushing to make coding technology mandatory across the nation.

The Public Safety Committee of the Los Angeles City Council approved a package of gun control measures Monday that would make it easier for landlords to evict tenants with illegal firearms and ammunition, place new requirements on ammunition vendors and allow the city to permanently seize cars from some gang members… The committee also approved measures requiring ammunition vendors to obtain permits from the Police Commission for sales and to conduct those sales face-to-face with buyers. Under one of the proposed ordinances, the employees handling ammunition would also be subject to a background check. Another measure creates a requirement for gun dealers to inspect their inventory twice a year - reporting any lost or stolen weapons to the Police Department and providing an affidavit of the inspections. The committee also approved an ordinance banning the sale of .50-caliber ammunition…

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), through the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has announced the final amended version of its changes to rules on carrying of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. DOI’s move will restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for lawful purposes on most DOI lands, and will make federal law consistent with the state law in which these public lands are located. NRA led the effort to amend the existing policy regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms on these federal lands. Read the rest of the story Here

North Carolina - [12/6/08] (From the NRA) Durham City Council Pushing for Ammunition Licensing

The proposal modeled on existing law in Illinois would require gun owners to secure a permit from the local sheriff's office before buying ammunition.

Tennessee - [12/6/08] (From the NRA) In defense of the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus

Concealed carry on college campuses is a serious issue — as is evidenced by the number of state legislatures considering various concealed carry measures in the past legislative session. Not to mention the growing number of student groups forming independently across the country in support of concealed carry.

In 1981, Morton Grove, IL passed a law prohibiting citizens within the city limits to own firearms. In response, the city council of Kennesaw, GA unanimously passed a city ordinance in 1982 requiring heads of households to own at least one firearm with ammunition. The crime rate in Kennesaw at the time was already quite low, with only 11 burglaries per 1,000 residents in 1981; but nonetheless, the crime rate dropped even lower (by 89%) after the ordinance was passed… (I actually had a Firearms Instructor Development School classmate killed in a robbery of a shooting range; while rare, it can happen.)

I just got off the phone with Tommy Millner, President and CEO of Remington Arms Company. First, he assures me the email reproduced on AR15.com is authentic. He has been in contact with HS-Precision management after getting blindsided by the Lon Horiuchi development, and has also personally read and responded to every email sent to him by concerned customers. He assures me Remington takes this situation, and lack of response by HS-Precision, very seriously, and completely disapproves of what they have done. He tells me Remington is committed to doing the right thing by their thousands of customers, up to and including changing suppliers if there is no other way to go forward…

The Heller decision did not say that requiring a license to carry a gun was unconstitutional. But in New York State, nonresidents cannot even apply for the licenses to possess or carry a handgun. Unlike most other states, New York refuses to honor carry permits issued by sister states. Most observers believe that the Supreme Court will eventually make state and local governments obey the Second Amendment. If it does, New York's discrimination against nonresidents will probably be ruled unconstitutional…

Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe's neighborhood has seen nine homicides in 10 months this year, more than all but one other section of the city. With gunplay wreaking havoc on his ward, Troupe thinks he has found an answer: citizens arming themselves.

For a lot longer than we would have liked, Oregon Firearms Federation has been battling to force government agencies to obey Oregon law. Oregon's Department of Administrative Services has long had policies that violated Oregon's preemption statute dealing with firearms possession.In a post from 2007, we clearly thought we had solved that problem. But nothing is as slippery or slow as a bureaucrat… We have now received this proposed change of rules by DAS. As you can see, they have eliminated the illegal prohibitions on firearms they once had in buildings they controlled. There will be a public hearing on the rule changes on December 22nd at 10 am in Salem, We encourage gun owners and especially CHL holders to attend…

The Lebanon woman who stirred controversy by openly carrying a handgun to her child's soccer game filed a lawsuit in federal court today claiming that her rights were violated and seeking more than $1 million in damages. Meleanie Hain's concealed weapons permit was revoked Sept. 20 by Lebanon County Sheriff Michael DeLeo, who maintained she showed poor judgment wearing her gun to her daughter's soccer game Sept. 11. The permit was reinstated Oct. 14 by Lebanon County Judge Robert Eby. Judge Eby asked her to conceal the gun when she goes to soccer games. but Hain said she planned to continue to display the gun, asserting her right under the Second Amendment… (By contrast, Arizona judges have erroneously ruled that the constitutional right to bear arms only applies to carrying them openly.)

A group of gun advocates is lobbying state lawmakers for an open-carry law ahead of the start of the 2009 session of the Texas Legislature. The advocates, who say the state’s concealed carry law is too restrictive, want lawmakers to allow Texans to carry handguns in plain view. Supporters of "open-carry laws" have placed ads on billboards in Houston and San Antonio and on taxis in Austin. The Texas campaign is expected to intensify Tuesday with radio spots in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin that say, "We don't hide our colors, do we?" and encourages Texans to sign an online petition asking lawmakers to make Texas a place where people can openly wear their guns. More than 28,000 people have signed it so far…

They're small, hidden, pack a powerful punch, and permit holders can carry them most places in Texas. However, when it comes to handguns, a college campus isn't one of those places. "That's in my opinion, a big problem," said Matthew Rogers. Rogers started Texas A&M's chapter of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. "All we're asking is that you allow us to make that choice. If I can legally carry somewhere else, allow me to make the decision whether or not I want to carry here on campus," said Rogers. At least one person in the Texas Legislature agrees. State Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio, an Aggie himself, has promised to propose a bill that would allow those with a permit to pack heat on campus…

A rush of icy air swooshes through Gunslinger’s show room every couple of minutes as customers file in and out. “It’s insane,“ owner Todd Sutherland said on a recent Monday. “Business has more than doubled, if not tripled,“ Sutherland said. Other Tri-Cities gun and ammunition shop owners are echoing similar refrains, but the sales surge is only half the story. Sullivan County, Tenn., and Washington County, Va., both report that within the past two years, the number of handgun carry permits issued has doubled, if not tripled.

People are getting concerned after hearing President-elect Barack Obama's statements about gun rights at the Democratic primary debate in Pennsylvania last April. Obama said, "As a general principle, I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms. But just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right, in the same way that we have a right to private property but local governments can establish zoning ordinances that determine how you can use it. I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets. We can make sure that criminals don't have guns in their hands." However, bans, restrictions and gun taxes will not make our society safer. Taking firearms out of responsible, licensed hands actually puts our society in danger and will give criminals the upper hand…

India - [12/2/08] (From the NRA) Mumbai Cameraman: “I only wish I had a gun rather than a camera.”

By the time he managed to capture the killer on camera, Mr D'Souza had already seen two gunmen calmly stroll across the station concourse shooting both civilians and policemen, many of whom, he said, were armed but did not fire back. [...] Mr D'Souza added: "I told some policemen the gunmen had moved towards the rear of the station but they refused to follow them. What is the point if having policemen with guns if they refuse to use them? I only wish I had a gun rather than a camera."

Since the Supreme Court upheld the individual right to own guns last summer, one municipality after another with handgun bans has faced reality. Washington, D.C., which lost the case, changed its law. Morton Grove, Ill., repealed its ban. So did neighboring Wilmette. Likewise for Evanston. Last week, Winnetka followed suit. Then there is Chicago, which is being sued for violating the Second Amendment but refuses to confront the possibility that what the Supreme Court said may apply on this side of the Appalachians.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) - the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry - has launched a blog aimed at hunting down and correcting inaccuracies about firearms and the firearms industry.

Newspapers across the state have been requesting that local sheriffs release information about the identity of individuals who have been issued Concealed Handgun Licenses within their respecive counties.

Although Sheriff Hutchens was appointed by the board six months ago, she is under no obligation to follow the new instructions. At least the board spoke out on behalf of the gun-rights-supporting public, as more than 80 activists spoke out against the sheriff's policies during the board meeting. And at least Sheriff Hutchens sat through the entire meeting and got an appropriate earful from residents and elected officials…

Senators in the Student Government Association are having their own discussion about the right to bear arms. The argument is between those who believe people who have licenses for concealed weapons should be able to carry arms on campus and those who disagree. SGA hopes to reach a census and gather opinions from both for and against the issue to recommend to the Georgia Legislature. The debate was sparked by Georgia House Bill 89, which regards carrying concealed arms in extended public places but does not yet extend to college campuses. The council is still considering adding a provision allowing those licensed individuals to carry concealed arms on campuses…

A lawyer who represents the National Rifle Association represented Oklahoma's governor and attorney general Wednesday in support of a controversial state gun-rights law. The law requires employers to allow workers to have guns in locked vehicles where they work. It was struck down 13 months ago by U.S. District Judge Terence Kern in Tulsa. In arguments Wednesday at the federal appeals court in Denver, lawyer Charles Cooper argued on behalf of Gov. Brad Henry and Attorney General Drew Edmondson that Kern was wrong…

A draft proposal issued Friday by Mayor Greg Nickels outlining his scheme to ignore state statute and state legislative authority over firearms regulation amounts to a slap in the face against more than 250,000 Washington state residents, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said in response. “We’re going to review this draft proposal line-by-line,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “but even a cursory glance at the document released Friday by Mayor Nickels shows that he has chosen to arrogantly ignore the State Attorney General’s opinion. State statute clearly limits municipal authority, and the Nickels plan suggests he is attempting to be a little too clever in trying an end-run around the law…”

According to Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted: 2007, 55 officers were killed by gunfire last year. 27 of the officers killed were within zero to five feet from their offender and another ten officers were between six and ten feet from their offender. Two of the officers were killed with their own firearm. So why are agencies still devoting so much of their allotted training time to shooting from the 25-yard line and beyond? Why are agencies still treating firearms and defensive tactics as separate disciplines? … (Overall a good article but, as the equivalent of a defensive tactics instructor, as well as a firearms instructor, I question the advocacy of the two-handed close-quarters position. At close range, the second hand is likely to have more valuable roles and the one-handed versions of this technique, such as the Fairbairn-Sykes half-hip and three-quarter hip positions, should work just as well.

It is easy to forget or overlook some of the equipment essentials when it comes to carrying a concealed handgun. Here a very quick and basic over view of some of the essential equipment. The topic of holster or handgun selection could easily fill up several hundred pages and still leave many important points out. So, let’s take a few minutes to review five pieces of essential equipment related concealed carry… (Most list members are already aware of the pages on my own website on Handgun Selection, Ammunition Selection and Holster Selection. Related discussions are also included in my book [http://www.spw-duf.info/book.html].)

The extremist animal “rights” group, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is back to its old tricks. Earlier this week, the vehemently anti-hunting and anti-gun group once again called for a nationwide ban on lead ammunition, saying that studies by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the North Dakota Department of Health prove that game shot with lead ammunition poses a health threat to those who consume it. (Know the facts. Read this article)

For a brief background, when SB184 went into law on September 9, one of the changes was that government owned buildings used "primarily as a shelter, restroom, parking facility for motor vehicles, or rest facility" are no longer places where a person with a CHL is banned from carrying their concealed firearm. This covers rest stops… In late October, an email began circulating by someone claiming ODOT was taking all the signs down. However, despite false claims to the contrary, the situation had not been completely resolved, which is why there are still signs up at some facilities.

On Tuesday, November 18, the Pittsburgh City Council could vote on an anti-gun ordinance that would require gun owners to report a lost or stolen firearm within a 72-hour period or face fines and possible imprisonment.

At the request of the Pittsburgh City Council, several anti-gun speakers have been asked to attend this meeting for discussion purposes. One of those speakers is gun control advocate State Representative David Levdansky (D-39). Similar legislation, sponsored by Representative Levdansky, was defeated in the state legislature earlier this year.

An unequivocal "no" from the state Attorney General's Office is often enough to shoot down a city proposal. Not so with a move by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to ban legally permitted handguns from city-owned parks and buildings, an effort that, if successful, could shatter a 47-year-old state prohibition against cities' regulation of firearms. The Mayor's Office continues to build a case for the ban despite an Oct. 14 opinion issued by Attorney General Rob McKenna's office arguing that the city cannot pre-empt state gun law. The mayor hopes to introduce an administrative order next month…

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study on human lead levels of hunters in North Dakota has confirmed what hunters throughout the world have known for hundreds of years, that consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition poses absolutely no health risk to people, including children, and that the call to ban lead ammunition was and remains a scare tactic being pushed by anti-hunting groups to forward their political agenda.

The Board of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association has repealed its long-standing ban on the carrying of firearms in Stone Mountain Park. In its place, the Board enacted an ordinance banning the possession of firearms for people without GFLs. People with GFLs no longer are disallowed from carrying, but they are required in the new ordinance to notify the park police “as soon as possible after entering the park” of the presence of the firearm. In addition, consuming alcohol is prohibited. GCO is reviewing the revised ordinance and has not announced how the revisions will affect, if at all, GCO’s lawsuit against SMMA.

Buckeye Firearms Association has just received word from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) that the NO GUNS signs at state rest stops have been ordered removed. In the telephone call to Buckeye Firearms Association Leader and NRA Election Volunteer Coordinator Rick Jones, ODOT stated that their legal department has confirmed with multiple state departments that the signs are to be removed. This action is in response to passage and implementation of Senate Bill 184, which included several major fixes to Ohio's concealed handgun licensure law, including a change designed to allow patrons of rest stops to use the facilities without having to disarm…

Residents are urged to attend an informational meeting regarding the concealed carry law referendum that is on the Nov. 4 ballot. Benton Public Property Commissioner Ronnie Baumgarte said the meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Benton Elks Lodge, 167 Industrial Park Road. Illinois Carry spokesperson Valinda Rowe said the town hall meeting would include a question-and-answer period… (Note that only a few of Illinois’s 102 counties have similar referenda on their ballot this year.)

In 2004, we don’t remember hearing about anyone scared Kerry was going to take their guns away - and we worked Pennsylvania for Kerry (Pittsburgh area). There were a lot of gun shops and firing ranges there, and we never heard anything about people stocking up on guns because they were scared Kerry was going to try to take them away…In fact, the thought of Obama becoming president freaks these people out. So much so that they’re stocking up on firearms. We just don’t see how this can bode well for Obama. These are “Reagan Democrats” and Republicans. They’re Clinton Democrats too. And they recoil at the thought of an Obama administration…

Gun stores are doing big business these days despite the sluggish economy. Sales may be slow for some retailers but there are two reasons why the registers have been ringing at gun stores. "I have personally never seen it like it has been this year," said Larry Baity at Gun City USA in Nashville. He has sold a record number of guns recently... and he knows why. When the economy goes south, it kind of goes hand in glove, crime increases…In Tennessee, handgun permits have skyrocketed. In September 2007, about 186,000 people had a carry permit. In July 2008, there were 196,000 people…

Political views and ads are driving an increase interest in firearms.Gun sales and permit requests are up in many places, including here in Southwest Florida. These days Mike Christoff's Mobile Tactics gun shop and range is busier than normal. "There's a lot of people who never even considered carrying a weapon, but are thinking about just in case, obtaining a carry permit," Christoff says. Many of his customers worry that if Barack Obama wins the election, their right to bear arms could be reduced or taken away…

Many Americans are cutting back on purchases these days, but federal data shows an increase in people buying firearms and ammunition. Some think campaign 2008 is influencing those numbers. Owners at JT's Gun & Pawn say gun and ammo sales have tripled in the weeks leading up to the presidential election and they say they don't think it's a coincidence. Bryan Wilson is a gun collector, but fears democratic talks of gun controls will make buying firearms more difficult after the upcoming election. “People are buying them because they are afraid they won't be able to get any and, you know, I guess they're scared like I am,” gun owner Bryan Wilson said…

Sales of firearms have increased in south-central Idaho, firearms dealers in the region say, because of fears of possible new gun control laws if Sen. Barack Obama is elected president. Ryan Horsley, manager of Red's Trading Post in Twin Falls, says gun owners are concerned that certain kinds of guns could be banned. Specifically, he said, sales of assault-type rifles, such as military-style AR-15s, have jumped, far outselling traditional, bolt-action hunting rifles. "We had a particular sale of them a little while ago (Oct. 10), and in one day our sales were over $20,000," Horsley said…

As polls show Democrat Sen. Barack Obama leading in his race with Republican Sen. John McCain for president of the United States, more and more Americans are arming themselves. Gun sales are up nationwide and in Colorado. "Probably an increase of 25 percent," said Richard Taylor, manager of the Firing Line in Aurora. Time and again, Taylor said customers, especially first-time buyers, say they're afraid an Obama White House would mean more gun control. "If Barack Obama gets in, people are concerned they might not be able to purchase certain types of firearms. So that has been driving a number of the sales," Taylor said…

Tough economic times and fear of increased gun control have firearms sales booming. Nationally, the industry has seen an 8-10 percent jump compared with 2007. James Dean, owner of Norton Sporting Goods, says he's seen sales increase between 10-15 percent since summer, thanks in part to a big jump in personal handguns. While economic downturn typically tends to loosely correlate with increased firearm sales, the presidential campaign could also play a big part for gun owners concerned about increased regulation, especially if Barack Obama is elected. Dean indicates a number of his customers have been buying guns "because they can", anticipating that Obama would augment restriction and gun control legislation…

Oklahomans are purchasing more guns, and so is much of the rest of the United States. Some gun enthusiasts are concerned that if Senator Barack Obama is elected President, there will be a new restrictive legislation on particular types of guns. So, many gun buyers are going shopping before the election. Obama supports gun control measures of certain types of guns and a ban on assault weapon ownership. Gun shops say Tuesday's election is a hot topic among their customers, but the focus isn't on taxes or healthcare - it's all about guns. Gun owners are concerned about how the laws may change, depending upon who becomes President…

Kirk Optepeke agrees, "they just talk about if Obama wins, some of our second amendment rights will be taken away from us." And as a result gun shops across the country are seeing a spike in sales. Nationwide, gun sales are up around 10 percent. Dealers say some buyers fear a bad economy will lead to more robberies - and are buying guns for self defense. But most we talked to say a possible Obama administration is driving sales. "Specifically the assault rifles they think are gonna be banned," Saridakis says…

Should a campus shooting ever happen at Ball State University, Blake Graham wants the right to protect himself by firing back. The junior criminal justice major, who just recently applied for a gun permit, is the president of a new student group called Ball State Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, which drew about 10 people - mostly permit holders - to its first meeting this month. The group is a local branch of a national organization, Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. "We feel that it's our right that we need to be able to protect ourselves," Graham said…

Some just stood and stared. But dozens of other parents and children who saw a gun come out during a fight at a crowded family amusement center couldn't find cover fast enough amid the lines of video and arcade games. The off-duty law enforcement officer who pulled out the handgun had every legal right to be carrying a concealed weapon, even on a recreational trip to Fun Depot with his family. The same would have been true for more than 10,000 other people holding concealed handgun permits in Western North Carolina. State law allows permit holders to carry the concealed guns in a wide range of businesses and public places, something that Fun Depot owner David Day had ever thought would be needed…

Will County became the 87th of 102 Illinois counties to approve a resolution defending the Constitutional amendment allowing people to owns guns. The Second Amendment support is in response to cities, such as Chicago, who have prohibited handguns. Chicago's handgun ownership ban, the Chicago Weapons Ordinance, has been in existence since 1982. Will County Board member Lee Ann Goodson, chairman of the board's Legislative Committee, said at Thursday's County Board meeting the resolution was requested by the Illinois State Rifle Association. Goodson said there have been many attempts to "chip away at our rights...''

In a rare occurrence, NRA and the Brady Campaign (formerly Handgun Control, Incorporated) agree on something.

Four years ago, the Brady Campaign endorsed an anti-gun senator by the name of John Kerry for President, and NRA thought that decision made sense—for an anti-gun group.

This week, in a testament to his anti-gun record, Barack Obama also received a presidential endorsement from theBrady Campaign.

So, once again, the Brady Campaign and NRA are in total agreement—Barack Obama is, by far, the most anti-gun presidential nominee in history and he certainly deserves the endorsement of one of the most outspoken anti-gun organizations in the country.

In short, Attorney General McKenna’s opinion affirmed Washington State’s preemption statutes by saying that cities cannot enact laws prohibiting the possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities.

Thank you to Attorney General McKenna for standing up for the Second Amendment freedoms of Washington’s law-abiding gun owners. Also, thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call in opposition to Mayor Nickel’s brash violation of state law.

Today, Friday, October 17, Governor Ed Rendell (D) signed House Bill 1845 into effect. HB1845 is an omnibus legislative package that contains a number of pro-gun provisions for Pennsylvania gun owners. Among the provisions was an “Emergency Powers” reform measure prohibiting any government agency from confiscating firearms during a state of emergency, such as occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Other important provisions include:

establishing the lawful carry of a concealed firearm in state parks;

funding for the acclaimed “Don’t Lie For The Other Guy” program administered by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF); and,

an emergency permitting system for concealed carry licenses for individuals who are under immediate threat.

Thank you to all of the NRA members who took action in support of this important legislation. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.

Flying in the U.S. has been transformed since Sept. 11, with passengers forced to remove their shoes, take out their laptop computers and put liquids and gels in clear plastic bags. Yet it`s perfectly legal to take a loaded gun right up to the security checkpoint at some of the nation`s biggest airports.

Voters in 14 Illinois counties will have a chance next month to let Springfield know what they think about citizens' right to carry concealed firearms. The referendum will ask whether the state should enact so-called "concealed-carry" legislation. The referendum is advisory only. Voters will not be deciding whether individual counties should adopt those rights, but whether state legislators should bring the issue to a vote. Advocates of the legislation say such a law is long overdue in Illinois, which is one of only two states that haven't passed some form of the statute.

The Springfield City Council may find itself in the crosshairs of a contentious issue if it approves a legislative wish list that seeks to ban concealed weapons from city parks and sporting fields. Prior to state passage of a concealed carry law in 2004, guns were prohibited in parks by city ordinance. But when concealed carry permits were legalized and the list of restricted areas chosen, parks were left off - overruling the 1971 ordinance. The state law prohibits guns in schools, government meetings or major sports stadiums that hold 5,000 fans. But it doesn't ban them in parks…

Minnesota - [10/10/08] (From Stephen Wenger) Minnesota Looks Back on Five Years of Shall-Issue CCW:

The course is taught by Joel Rosenberg, a firearms instructor with a long history of pistol-carry activism. He suggests that after five years, mild-mannered Minnesotans have finally learned that a gun tucked into a waistband isn't the sign of a blood-hungry nutcase… Five years ago, if Sirek had wanted to carry a pistol, he would have had to convince his local sheriff that he had good reason to do so. But in 2003, Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the Minnesota Citizens' Personal Protection Act, commonly mislabeled the "concealed carry" law (the MCPPA allows a permit holder to wear a pistol in public either openly or concealed)… (65 revocations out of over 50,000 permittees is less than 0.13%.)

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has come under fire from Orange County supervisors over her tightening of concealed weapons permits…But on Tuesday, Supervisor Pat Bates – a key supporter of Hutchens – told her she has problems with the new gun policy which Hutchens revised in response to charges Carona handed out the permits as political favors. Supervisors Bill Campbell, Janet Nguyen and Chris Norby all voiced concerns about new revisions which tighten restrictions on who could qualify to carry a concealed gun and which could require applicants to take a psychological exam or polygraph as part of their background check. Anyone with a previous felony or a misdemeanor conviction within the last five years is now ineligible…

Federal officials notified law enforcement agencies Monday of a potential al-Qaida terrorist attack in which public buildings are targeted by suicide bombers. According to NBC News, the analysis by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security describes a scenario where a dozen attackers each carrying 20 kilograms of explosives storm a building, "seal off escape and access points, and occupy it long enough to set and detonate their explosive packages." In the al-Qaida plan, according to the analysis, suicide terrorists "would be able to enter many publicly accessible buildings easily with little or no resistance from often poorly trained and lightly armed or unarmed security guards, and that an explosion from inside the building would be particularly effective…"

President Ronald Reagan explained in 1964 that “governments don’t control things … without controlling people … [by using] force and coercion.” The debate about whether to repeal Georgia’s public gathering law is not about whether to allow something. It is about whether to control Georgians who want to take personal responsibility for their safety. Georgia discourages personal responsibility and self-reliance by outlawing possession of a weapon at a public gathering, even with a firearms license. It is impossible to know what constitutes a public gathering under Georgia’s uniquely ambiguous law…

New York - [9/29/08] (From Stephen Wenger) New York Defends Ballistic Database:

New York's seven-year-old database of handgun "fingerprints" has yet to lead to a criminal prosecution, and questions linger about its effectiveness. Still, state police remain committed to the tool, saying that more time and a long-awaited link to a federal ballistics database could bring success. Since March 2001, identifying information about more than 200,000 new revolvers and semiautomatic pistols sold in New York have been entered into the Combined Ballistic Identification System database maintained by state police. New York and Maryland are the only states that maintain statewide databases… (The shift toward trying to link ejected cases to semi-automatic pistols is the result of the increasing prevalence of hammer-forged, polygonally rifled barrels, in brands such as HK, Glock, Springfield XD’s and most Kahr pistols. Such barrels lack toolmarks to transfer to fired bullets. I am under the impression that bullet comparison is still the preferred approach with revolvers.)

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to let licensed gun owners bring firearms into non-secure parts of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob ruled the gun advocacy group GeorgiaCarry.org, did not support its argument that guns should be allowed outside security checkpoints at Hartsfield-Jackson - the world's busiest airport, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday. Georgia law allows weapons on public transit and GeorgiaCarry.org had argued that included Hartsfield-Jackson, the Journal-Constitution reported… (Link Below Repaired 9/30/08 1500 hrs Eastern Time)

A Commonwealth Court ruled yesterday against the city`s right to pass its own gun-control ordinances. The Commonwealth Court, in its ruling, concurred with a long line of opinions that said only the state has the power to regulate guns. Yesterday`s ruling is but a step in a legal-political grappling match that pits Nutter and City Council against the state legislature and the National Rifle Association. Read About It: Philadelphia Inquirer

A spokesman for Gov. Brian Schweitzer says the governor believes a university system policy banning those with concealed weapons permits from bringing guns on college campuses conflicts with Montana law. Read About It: KXMB

The Supreme Court of Ohio held today that a Clyde city ordinance banning possession of firearms in municipal parks is unconstitutional because it conflicts with a general state law that permits licensed individuals to carry a concealed weapon on any public property other than at locations specified in the state statute. The Court’s 4-3 decision was authored by Justice Terrence O’Donnell.

Fairfax, VA - The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to approve the National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed “Second Amendment Enforcement Act” in an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 266-152. The Act, passed as an amendment to H.R. 6842, will overturn the District of Columbia’s gun control restrictions that defy the recent Supreme Court ruling by continuing to limit D.C. residents’ right to self-defense. This bill is necessary to enforce the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. More Here

DC - [9/14/08] (From Stephen P. Wenger) DC Blinks?

D.C. officials, coping with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that threw out the city's handgun ban, have drafted legislation that would do away with several remaining firearms restrictions, including safe-storage requirements and a provision that bars ownership of semiautomatic pistols. The legislation could come up for a vote in the D.C. Council as early as Tuesday - the same day the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill that would virtually end local handgun control in the District…The council proposal does not give residents blanket approval to own semiautomatic pistols, which have become the most popular kinds of handguns. It would ban magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. It also would repeal a regulation barring a gun owner from registering more than one pistol. In addition, the legislation would do away with the requirement that handgun registrants submit their weapons to D.C. police for ballistics testing…

After a battle stretching back to 2004, the Port of Portland has finally rescinded its illegal ordinance against CHL holders at the Portland Airport. As you may know, since 1996, the Port had a regulation forbidding persons with concealed handgun licenses from being in the Portland Airport. There was one small problem. The ordinance was unlawful. Needless to say, the Port and their lawyers did everything they could to justify this violation of the law. Their bizarre interpretations of the law would have made a contortionist jealous. But they were wrong.